Exploring a Call

Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 October 2011 14:47 Monday, 07 June 2010 11:10

Exploring a call to ministry
Although your Regional Minister is the best person to contact as you investigate the
possibility that God is calling you into ministry, you may also find it helpful to read some initial
information which can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below:

 Called to Pastoral Ministry

 Called to be a Youth Specialist

 Called to be an Evangelist

 Called to be a Preacher 

 Called to be a Lay Pastor

You can also find out more about training course that is being developed for lay pastors and
preachers and is delivered by our Baptist Colleges, in cooperation with our Associations and
the Baptist Union by downloading the leaflet  Baptist Training Partnership .

Nationally Accredited Church Workers.

Over the last number of years, churches have appointed people who serve as youth workers, but who are not called to ordained ministry as such, as well as other church workers, such as  children’s and family workers, parish nurses and church-based community workers.   Church Workers of this kind are often at the interface of church and community, and in 2010 Baptist Union Council approved a scheme to enlarge the range of ministries that the Baptist Union recognises by accreditation to include a new Register of Nationally Accredited Church Workers.  This development is a response to the wider range of appointments now being made to the staff of Baptist Churches. We have long accredited ministers who serve as pastors of local churches, and for the past decade also accredited evangelists and youth specialist ministers.  It is believed that this recognition process will enrich and enhance the missional character of our churches.

Application to be recognised in these new categories is now open and welcomed. The first step, as with any call to serve Christ, is to talk to your minister, if possible, and then to the Regional Ministry team. The call will be tested by an Association MRC, and then a national selection conference. Depending on your experience and qualifications, the next step may be to gain a theological qualification (minimum Level 4, Certificate in Theology, or the first year of an undergraduate degree) to add to the professional qualification you will bring with you (such as a social work degree for church-based community work, a nursing qualification for parish nurses or a teaching qualification for children’s and families workers.). The first selection days are booked for 2012, so applications should not be delayed if you want to be considered next year.

Further information about requirements can be found by clicking here.