Vocations Resources
Vocations Leaflets
Sample copies of the Diocesan Vocations Leaflets can be found below. Hard copies are available from the DDO, the Vocations Advisers and your Deanery Vocations rep. (Please note some of the contact details are out of date - but the main body of the leaflet is still valid).
Ordained Ministry - Page one and page two
Reader Ministry - page one and page two
Something Else - page one and page two
Christian Calling - NEW EDITION!
This locally-produced course now covers six-sessions. It is designed for any group of Christians who want to think more deeply about, and respond to, God’s call in their life.
(Considering our calling:
* out of God's love,
* through Baptism,
* in our everyday life,
* as a member of a church
* and how to explore one's own calling).
It is deliberately non-academic and reflective in style. Optional material for prayer and action, discussion and reflection enables the material to be tailored to each user-group.
Available in hardcopy from the DDO, or in pdf here.
Some books worth reading:
The Inner City of God - John Pridmore
Whilst serving as vicar in Hackney (a tough part of London) John kept a diary which was published in the Church Times.
Looking back on his diary, and now living in retirement, John is able to reflect further on his ministry - on what he gained from his encounters with the people of Hackney, and on the miracle that God can work despite us.
This is a very honest account of the cost (and the gain) of ministry.
Making God Possible - Alan Billings
How have people understood the role of parish clergy down the years, and from different theological starting points?
Alan gives us really good summaries of different models: the country parson, the minister, the priest, the therapist and activist. He helps us to see what can be good in these models, and what can be the failings of them.
My only complaint is that he doesn't spend enough time telling us more about what he thinks parish clergy should be doing today in 'making God possible'. He mentions the importance of teaching the Christian faith, and being open to those outside the church - but stops before expanding on what this might mean and why. Shame.