In the lead up to the ordination services being held at Birmingham Cathedral on Saturday 20 June, some of those preparing to become priest or deacon share their stories of being called to serve.
The path to ordination looks different for everyone, and these stories of calling show some of these diverse journeys.
Diane, who is being ordained priest, shares how she felt called to serve following a massive brain haemorrhage. Having previously considered Reader ministry, Diane says her recovery became a turning point that led her towards ordination.
“I realised God had recreated me and made me somebody new, and this was my purpose now, to be ordained as priest in the Church of England,” Diane says.
Clare became a Christian seven years ago and recalls how her path to ordination was sparked during one of her first experiences in church.
“The first eucharistic service I went to, the vicar said the line from the Eucharistic Prayer ‘Lift up your hearts’ and I felt something.”
Like Clare, Tendi felt called to ordained ministry as a priest during church services. She recalls three occasions during worship when she sensed God calling her towards leadership and ordained ministry.
For Tendi, serving God as a priest in Birmingham is exciting because “we’re hearing stories from all across the city of people coming to faith.”
Ed, who is being ordained deacon, is following a call home to Birmingham. Having spent part of his childhood here, Ed is now returning to the city to begin ministry. He sees this move as “an opportunity for me, as deacon, to call God’s people home, to the God who loves them.”
Pat recalls a significant moment on her path to becoming a priest. While assisting at Holy Communion, she sensed a deep connection with God and a renewed awareness of the ministry she was being called into.
She explains that being called to serve can look different for different people.
“Serving God means being part of the Kingdom and building that kingdom, and just… accepting what role that is.”
The journey towards ordination began as a teenager for Dave.
“God said to me… ‘I want you to let people know how Jesus sees them’.”
Since then, a desire to help people discover their identity, belonging and purpose has shaped his ministry.
As he begins ministry as a deacon in Birmingham, he and his family are “moving up from the south coast, the land of smugglers, to the land of Peaky Blinders.”
As these ordinands prepare to begin a new chapter of ministry, please join us in praying for all those being ordained in Birmingham this weekend.
Live stream the services here:
Ordination of Priests | Saturday 20 June | Starts at 10.30
Ordination of Deacons | Saturday 20 June | Starts at 15.00
Interested in exploring your own calling?
Find out more about opportunities with the Church of England Birmingham here.
Catch up with all the interviews on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.