An opportunity to think about how God might be calling you this year
We are all called into a relationship with God and to be Lights in the World for Him. In 2026 we invite you to take the time to pray and listen to what God is saying to you and where and to whom he is calling you to be a light. In the Diocese of Sheffield there are several great callings that you could pray about exploring. If you are interested we would love to hear from you.
Ministry Experience Scheme
The Ministry Experience Scheme is a wonderful opportunity for young adults from 18-29 to explore where God is leading them today and into the future. Those on the scheme live in shared accommodation, attend a church placement three-four days a week, and receive theological teaching. We try to tailor the year to each participant’s church tradition, giving them opportunities to grow in chosen areas of ministry.
A year of discipleship, discernment of calling, and a chance to receive theological teaching, with the essential costs and accommodation covered.
If you are interested or know someone who would benefit from doing a year like this this September 2026, please do get in contact.
I’d love to share more about the scheme here in Sheffield, and hear some of your story! Find out more
Lay Parish Evangelist
Do you have a love of meeting people in your community and sharing the Good News of Jesus in word and action? If that is the case God might be calling you to be a Lay Parish Evangelist – someone who loves telling people about Jesus and showing his love. Each year we run a course called Faith Empowered which teaches you and gives you confidence to share your faith. As part of the course we discern with you on whether you are called to be a Lay Parish Evangelist.
For more information do get in touch with John. Find out more
Reader Training
Readers are people who bless the church by going deeper into theology so that they can take others deeper in teaching and preaching. They lead services and can take funerals and support the ministry of the church. There are over 100 Readers in active ministry in the Diocese. They come from different backgrounds and serve in different contexts. Readers train for two years at St Hild college undertaking a qualification in theology. The first step is to have a conversation with your vicar to see what they think.
You can also get in touch with Dan who leads the vocations team. Find out more
Step Forward
If you are between 18-30 and feel that you might have a call to ministry in the church come to Step Forward to find out more. Step Forward is a free day conference in the beautiful Bishopthorpe Palace (the home of the Archbishop of York). It is a chance to meet with other young people and hear about lots of difference ministries within the church.
The conference is on Saturday 7 March from 10.30am-4pm and lunch is provided. Find out more
If you have any questions contact Dan.
Elizabeth Pathway
The Elizabeth Pathway is a new Anglican ordination training pathway for older, experienced lay leaders. Ministers trained through this stream will be able to provide the kind of dedicated and sacramental ministry that can help churches grow through effective local ministry. We hope this programme will play a significant part in realising the vision of the Church as a community of missionary disciples, living out an attractive and enriching faith. It is a two-year pathway of discernment and training for ordination with St Hild College that builds on your existing experience of discipleship, learning and leadership.
If you are between 55-65 and feel a call to ordained ministry, please have a chat with your vicar and then contact the vocations team.
If you have any questions contact Dan. Find out more about