Ministry and Vocation

About

Bishop’s Introduction

Bermuda has a rich diversity of Christian heritage and experience. The Anglican Church of Bermuda has the longest history of being a witness to Christ in these Islands, and a presence in every community. It holds a unique position in being a racially and culturally diverse church and in providing important ministries of presence, particularly in times of great life events, birth, marriages and death. However, over these last years the Anglican Church of Bermuda has seen significant and serious decline in its ability to connect to people of all ages and finds itself with increasingly ageing membership and leadership with questions of ongoing sustainability. Whilst there are signs of life in every quarter there is also signs of increasing struggle to maintain the faith of our forefathers, resulting in a need to re-imagine the church and equip its leadership in new ways to meet the gospel opportunities that exist. It is therefore time to develop our vision and to re-encourage all members of the church in their ministry to the church and the community. We want everyone in Bermuda to know more about God and his purpose for their lives. We want the church to enable all Christians to discover their vocation and ministry in order to serve God and be a light to the world.

That is why:

• we are developing creative new patterns of ministry in these changing times: though in the near future there may well be fewer stipendiary clergy than in the recent past, there are now more persons offering themselves for licensed and other recognised lay ministries;
• we are seeking to encourage the vocation and ministry of all Anglicans in Bermuda;
• we are undergoing a period of strategic review for the Diocese.

The Ministry and Vocation Team promotes vocations and develops and oversees strategies that will discern, equip and encourage new and existing ministries.

Purpose

• To lead in developing a culture that encourages all God’s people to discern and develop their gifts and calling
• Encouraging, discerning and fostering vocations, at the same time engaging in creative and imaginative thinking about new patterns of ministry relevant to the Bermudian culture and context
• To foster a greater diversity in candidates for both lay and ordained ministries
• Leading and developing a vocational and discernment team including Examining Chaplains who are lay and ordained individuals to meet potential candidates and assist in the discernment process: working with the Director of Training and Discipleship to provide models of training appropriate to different vocations
• To oversee processes around selection for licensed lay and ordained ministry, to support candidates through these processes, and beyond.