Call to Ministry

Lay Ministry

Discerning God’s Call to Ministry

Who am I?
Why am I here?
What am I doing about it?

These three gentle questions—shared by Bishop Michael Curry in his reflection “Three Questions for Mission”—can help us listen for God’s call in our lives. God cares deeply about your answers. You were lovingly created to live them out.

This journey of listening and responding is called discernment.

It’s how we discover what God is inviting us to do with the gifts we’ve been given. There are some basic answers to these questions, found in our Catechism.

  • Who am I?

    I am “part of God’s creation, made in the image of God… free to make choices: to love, to create, to reason, and to live in harmony with creation and with God.” (found on page 845 of The Book of Common Prayer)

  • Why am I here?

    As a baptized Christian, I’m here to “represent Christ and his church.” I bear witness to Christ wherever I am, and I carry on his work of reconciliation in the world… I am to follow Christ, to gather with others for corporate worship, and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God. (BCP, p. 855-856)

  • What am I doing about it?

    That’s where your unique story begins. God doesn’t expect you to do everything, but you are called to do something. And that “something” often starts with what you already love.

God may be planting seeds in your soul today that will grow into ordained ministry in the future.

Whether it’s making music, caring for children, organizing a project, helping in worship, raising awareness, raising funds for a cause, helping build a more just and loving world, or simply offering kindness, the gifts you love to share can become ministry when they’re offered in Christ’s name.

Ministry doesn’t always happen in a church building. It might happen at a soup kitchen, a school, a protest, a park, or even in a quiet conversation. God can work through you anywhere.

And yes, you are a minister.

Our Catechism says it clearly: Q. Who are the ministers of the Church? A. The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. (BCP, p.855)

So, what will your ministry be?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talk with your Sunday school teacher, youth leader, or parish priest. They’d love to walk with you as you explore how your gifts might be used for God’s kingdom.

You are wonderfully made. Your presence matters. And your ministry—whatever shape it takes—can help transform the world.