Encouraging vocations to ordained ministry: a Church of England perspective

HOW TO encourage vocations to the ordained ministry has become a major question for the churches in the modern world. In the hope that an account of Church of England experience in this area can help in the Irish context, this article will outline how from early in this century the C. of E. has been encouraging vocations through the Archbishops’ Council’s Ministry Division. I hope my reflections on my 13 years working there will be of interest in the Church of Ireland as you face your own challenges regarding vocations in your particular context.

When I was appointed, first as selection secretary and subsequently as national vocations officer to the C of E’s Ministry Division,1 it was clear that vocations work had become less of a priority within the organisation. In the 1970s and ‘80s, two selection secretaries had worked half-time on vocations work. This was then cut to one person working half-time; and when I arrived only 25% of my time was allocated to vocations work. This was short-sighted and inadequate for the task. Both I and my immediate predecessor felt obliged to work extra hours to deliver the vocations work the Church needed.

* Full article available in printed copies.

Steven Ferns

Is a former National Vocations Officer and Senior Selection Secretary of the Ministry Division of the Church of England, and a canon emeritus of Chichester Cathedral.