On Saturday, St Peter’s, Hall Green, was bustling with people who came to discover and learn more about lay vocations at the first of our two Archdeaconry Explore Days. Over 80 delegates met over breakfast and worshipped together with the volunteers who were delivering six short TED style talks about lay ministry, and then had the opportunity to speak to ministry leaders at stalls in a Ministry Marketplace.
Bishop Anne led worship and encouraged everyone to ‘think outside of the box’ about their talents and calling. Calvert Prentis, Diocesan Director of Ordinands, set the scene by observing:
“Vocation does not equal ordination, it just doesn’t.”
The TED talks were given by authorised lay leaders, volunteers and CofE Birmingham staff, and went on to cover Ordained, Environmental, Reader, School and Contemplative Ministries, and Social Engagement. These thought-provoking talks were delivered with wisdom and humour, and Caroline Egan, a Deanery Environmental Champion, encouraged everyone to make the most of their skills, saying:
“Be brave, do what you’re good at, and get stuck in!”
After the talks, the Ministry Marketplace was buzzing with interesting conversations and ideas with people filling the Church, Scout Hut and Church Hall. The topics ranged from Sports ministry to Parish Governance; vocational training available via the Pathways Learning Platform; Commissioned Children’s & Families and Youth ministries to Interfaith ministry; Discipleship to Interfaith ministry.