In the United Methodist Church we believe that all are called to ministry – as lay people serving in our local churches and communities; as lay servants and lay speakers; as certified lay ministers; as deaconnesses and home missioners; as missionaries; as licensed local pastors; and as ordained deacons and elders.

By virtue of our baptisms, every Christian is called by God in a myriad of ways.

Call Video from Martha Stokes (coming soon…)

If you feel that God is calling you into self-apart ministry and you want to explore your call, here are some resources to help you.

Books
● Listen. Discern. Respond.: A Guide to Answering God’s Invitation (Dale Carl Fredrickson)
● The Christian as Minister: An Exploration Into the Meaning of God’s Call (GHBEM)
● El Cristiano como Ministro
● The United Methodist Deacon (Margaret Ann Crain)
● Blessed Wrestling: Biblical Reflections Discerning God’s Call (Jessie Squires Colwell)
● Still Calling… A 6 Week Journey in Discernment (Dwayne Stinson)
● The Ignatian Examen: A Daily Journal (Dwayne Stinson)
● Understanding Your Call: Knowing How 11 Biblical Figures Understood Their Calls from God Can Help You to Understand Yours
(Market Square Books)
● Serving From the Heart (Carol Cartmill)
● Live Your Calling (Kevin & Kay Marie Brennfleck)

Discernment Days

Discernment Day is an opportunity for you to explore your sense of call with others who are also discerning. Through prayer practices, age appropriate small groups, and topical discussion groups, you will be provided space to learn more, connect with others, and discover your next steps. Learn more here.

Podcasts

On Call: Stories and Conversations on Call

Videos

A curated playlist of videos exploring and sharing call stories.

The Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) Discernment and Vocation Playlist