1  How do I set up a Bishops Certificate course in my parish?

First check with the vicar that there is not a course already planned!  Then ask for help from your vicar/curate and also Stephen Winter or Judy Baker to help find tutors and other local participants.  

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2  How do I get a curate?

Each year the Bishop’s office invites incumbents to fill in an application form.  These in turn are considered by senior staff and the Diocesan Director of Ordinands.

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3  How do I support someone interested in becoming a Reader/vicar?

Listen to them! Take them seriously and direct them to our Vocations Officer, Ron Hesketh.

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4  What does ‘Growing Healthy Churches’ mean for us?

Try this; a church to worship God, rid the world of poverty, share the gospel, build inclusive communities, help people to faith, care for the earth.  Contact Robert Jones.

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5  Where do I start with young people who show an interest in vocations?

Take them seriously.  Contact our Vocations Officer, Ron Hesketh

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6  How do I find a spiritual director?

Have a word with your vicar or you may wish to approach Greville Cross (north of diocese) or Helen Tarlo (south of diocese) of the Spiritual Direction network.

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7  How do I find a place to go on retreat?

Try this site for information about the Retreat Association.  Ask your vicar for local venues such as Holland House or Glasshampton Monastery.

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8  I want to be a Reader but I haven’t got a vicar.  Who do I talk to?

Contact our Vocations Officer, Ron Hesketh or your local Area Warden of Readers:  David Hoskin (north) or Nick Wright (south).

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9  What’s involved in training to be a vicar?

There are a variety of ways of training - full time residential or part time local courses - and depending on age and previous experience.

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10 What training is available to clergy?

A new CME task group has been set up to deliver continuing ministerial eduction in the diocese.  Contact Frances Wookey or Robert Jones. General information on grants and standard courses can be found here. 

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11 How do I get financial support to do some more training?

Contact Robert Jones or Judy Baker

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12 Can we train people to lead worship in our parish?

Yes, and DTD can help with materials, resources and people.

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13 How can I get permission to preach?

In the Church of England permission to preach comes with particular forms of licensed ministry such as Reader ministry or that of ordained clergy.

14 How can I deepen my understanding of the Christian faith?

Find out what’s happening in your parish or why not join a Bishops Certificate group (contact Judy Baker) or a diocesan reading group (contact Ron Hesketh)?

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15 How can I learn more about the Bible?

Find out what’s happening in your parish  or why not join a Bishops Certificate group (contact Judy Baker) or a diocesan reading group (contact Ron Hesketh)?

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16 How can I deepen my spiritual life?

Find out what’s happening in your parish or you might want to have a spiritual director.  Contact Bob Hale

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17 Can I take a break?!

Yes, holidays and days off are wonderful inventions - so too are sabbaticals. Click here for information on clergy sabbaticals.

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18 What is discipleship?

In short, being a Christian in daily life; faithful following.

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19 What is a vocation and how do I know if I’ve got one?

Every Christian has a vocation to be faithful but some sense a calling within that faithfulness to particular roles within the life of the Church. A Vocations Advisor can help you explore this possibility. Contact the Vocations Officer, Ron Hesketh.

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20 What’s the difference between ministry and discipleship?

In following and learning from Christ all Christians share a vocation to discipleship. This is a journey for life. On this journey Christians minister the love of Christ to others. Some may be called to ministry in very specific ways. See Q19.

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21 Why do we need vicars?

The ordained ministry is a particular calling within the whole church which is the body of Christ.  All are called to be disciples of Christ, some are called to specific ministries within the church.

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22 How can I improve the worship in my parish?

There are plenty of resources for worship available nationally and through the DTD, but in the first instance you might want to invite someone in to open up discussion locally.

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23 I’ve been asked to lead the prayers.  How can I get some support?

There are many books of intercessions, but also we can provide one-off training sessions. Contact …..

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24 Who do I talk to about asking permission to do something new in the parish?

Ultimately the Bishop, but in the first instance the vicar and the PCC.

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