Each of us hears God’s call at different times and in different ways. God never stops calling us to something new, whatever our age and experience.
The vocations team love working with those who are in their later years who might be hearing a different call on their lives. In so many cases, the depth of experience that older candidates bring is invaluable in a range of different ministries. For some that might be a call to ministry and maybe ordination. We are keen to connect with people whatever their age and circumstances.
Ordination in Later Years
Many people hear their call to ordination later on in their lives. We support candidates for whom their vocation to ordained ministry sits alongside a calling to another profession or alongside retirement as they go forward as self-supporting ministers.
The Elizabeth Pathway
The Elizabeth Pathway is a discernment and training pathway towards Church of England ordination for older, experienced lay leaders. This 2 year programme is for people over the age of 55 who feel God may be calling them to serve as a self-supporting deacon or priest in an associate-level ministry, usually in their home parish. The Diocese of Sheffield has partnered with St. Hild College to offer this option for candidates who are called to ordination in later years. Contact Dan Christian to find out more or visit the St Hild website.