It often starts with a question. Not writing in the sky or an angelic visitation. Well, probably not, as for most it is just a question that will not quite leave them alone: ‘Could God be calling me to ministry?’  by Lee Johnson and Tim Fergusson

 

Sometimes the question rises during prayer. Sometimes it comes while leading a Bible study, visiting someone in hospital, preaching for the first time, serving in a toddler group, listening to a neighbour, sharing faith with a group of unchurched friends. Sometimes it comes through someone else: ‘Have you ever thought about Baptist ministry?’ 

Across Baptists Together, we believe every Christian is called to follow Jesus, serve his church and share in his mission. But some people sense a further call: to give time, energy and attention to the task of Christian ministry so that it becomes a way of being. That call needs to be listened to carefully, tested wisely and formed patiently.  

Baptist churches are of course free to call whomever they believe God is calling to serve among them. And you can read elsewhere in this magazine that we would like to see a broad ecosystem of training for Baptist leaders of all types. Yet we want churches and communities to have confidence that the women and men entrusted with spiritual oversight have been carefully tested and well prepared.   

This is why Baptists Together offers two formal pathways to prepare those who sense the call to ministry. One leads to Accredited Ministry and the other to Recognised Local Ministry. Both are about formation, not simply training. They attend not only to skills and knowledge, but also to character, accountability, spiritual maturity and calling.  
 

Accredited Ministers  

Accredited Baptist Ministers are commended for ministry across the whole of Baptists Together and to society at large. They may serve as church ministers, chaplains, pioneers, children’s or youth ministers, or in other specialist roles.   

Because they are commended for leadership and spiritual oversight across the wider Baptist family, their formation is rigorous. It normally takes three years full-time, or longer part-time, at one of our Baptist colleges.   

This formation is offered in Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford, Exeter or London. In some cases, aspects are delivered online. Students study for a diploma or degree in theology that is integrated into a programme of skill, character and spiritual development. They also gain practical ministry experience through a church, chaplaincy or pioneer placement. More than this, our colleges provide a nurturing and worshipping community in which to learn and grow.   

• Three years formation 
• Full-time or part-time 
• Theological diploma or degree
• Extensive practice placement 
• Formation in community 
• Tutor support 
• Commended across BUGB 

 

Recognised Local Ministers  

Recognised Local Ministers are recognised for their ministry in a particular local setting. Their calling is rooted in one church, neighbourhood, chaplaincy, pioneering project or community context.   
They are ‘ministers’ because they are entrusted with spiritual oversight; ‘local’ because their calling is connected to a specific place; and ‘recognised’ because they have completed an established programme of preparation and testing.   

The ‘RLM’ programme is accessed through the Regional Associations, who work in partnership with our colleges. It is lighter than for Accredited Ministry, though still serious and formative. It takes two years and is based around weekend or evening learning.

It includes a foundational course of theology, participation in a spiritual formation group, mentoring, and hands on experience.   

• Two years formation 
• Weekend or evening 
• Introduction to theology 
• Learn in role 
• Spiritual formation group 
• Mentor support 
• Recognised for the local setting 

 

What are the next steps?  

If you wish to explore your sense of calling more:  

1. Ask yourself which pathway is right? If your calling is towards a life of Baptist ministry, open to wherever God may send you within the wider Baptist family, Accredited Ministry may be the right route. If your calling is focused on the ministry you already exercise in a particular local setting, Recognised Local Ministry may fit better. 
2. Speak about your thinking to people you trust. What do they see in you? What encouragement, or caution do they offer? Consider what they say prayerfully.  
3. Contact your Regional Association. A Regional Minister (RM) will help you talk through your sense of calling and answer your questions. If you hope to be an Accredited Minister, it is well worth also having an early conversation with one or more of our colleges.  
4. Apply! Your RM will guide you through the process. You will need a commendation from the church in which you are a member, and attend a regional Ministerial Recognition Committee, or MRC. Once commended, you either start training if aiming for RLM, or proceed to a formal conversation with a Baptist College for Accredited Ministry.  

God is still calling people to Baptist ministry. Perhaps he is calling you – if so, may God give you courage to follow his call.