GROWING VOCATIONS Diocese of London Oct 2017

“God creates by uttering a multitude of logoi, designating words, names: creation springs into being in order to answer God’s speech, God’s call, so that his Word does not return to him empty” Open to Judgement, Vocation (1), Rowan Williams

“Tell me my name again today Lord, and give me the grace to me hear it and to be it.”

Theological and market research Discernment involves learning the language with which to adequately express your call Calling comes alongside a deepening of faith, increased in involvement at church Calling is experienced in different ways Calling comes alongside a deepening of faith, increased in involvement at church Discernment involves learning the language with which to adequately express your call 63% respondents feel called in their current career 36% are seeking God’s call in their career 22% have considered ordained ministry Experience calling in three broad ways Reflection on calling comes through deepening of faith (often after big life change) Increase in involvement, volunteer role, festival or (overseas) trip, period of study. More likely to come from churches with lots of lay involvement. 22% have considered ordained ministry. Most attractive elements are serving people, mission, pastoral care, being a role model or community leader. Asked open questions, but most answers relate to incumbent status parish ministry Differences are minimal, but: - young people more likely to emphasise studying and fellowship - older, bearing witness and preaching the gospel - differences in tradition re role of ordained: eg role model vs community leader, more emphasis on Eucharist with ACs. Young people more willing to move, more happy with unusual hours Minimal gender difference so far – but are doing further analysis on this Excellent foundation from which to shape our communications and website. Also tells us that we re sowing seeds in fertile ground – CofE attendees feel called and are looking for their calling. Crucial elements of the life of ordained people are seen as attractive and compelling. There is work to be done, but this is setting us on the right path.

Vocational living/culture Narration Synthesis My story God’s story Our story Language Discernment Vocational living/culture

“Tell me my name again today Lord, and give me the grace to me hear it and to be it.”

The AACD model 4. Decision 2. Articulation 3. Confidence and Desire 1. Awareness

Be a story-telling, language-building culture Talk about vocations, make it normal Name the gifts you see in others Provide really small steps Vocations are infectious so find role models Ask people to ‘have a go’ Provide learning opportunities 2. Articulation 1. Awareness

Be barrier-lowering, confidence-boosting church Be transparent about the process; differentiate the path Tell stories of diversity Create peer support Be informed about cultural and practical barriers 4. Decision 3. Confidence and Desire

“Tell me my name again today Lord, and give me the grace to me hear it and to be it.”

Candidates as a proportion of size of congregation

The challenge: have one vocational conversation each month with someone different from yourself “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11

The Nancy Blackett