The Episcopal Church in Maine

Careers in Ministry

Priest....
Deacon....
Missionary....
Christian ed director....
Youth missioner....
Church musician.....
Church administrator....

There are many fulltime and parttime careers in churches.

"The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet"
(quote from Frederick Buechner)

God is calling EVERYONE to ministry. God needs each of us to minister to others in everything that we do. God's world needs plumbers, scientists, teachers, etc. And the world also needs people who minister fulltime in the church.

There are lots of groups and people who will help you to explore whether God is calling you to a ministry career in a church. The time to get involved with them is now - while you're exploring different possibilities. Take a risk. Be open-minded. See what's out there.

The Episcopal Church is actively looking for young adults who are considering ordained ministry. How do you know if God's calling you to become a priest of a deacon? Listen to your own heart...talk to family and friends...listen to what other people who love God tell you. Many paths are in front of you, and ordained ministry may be one of them.

Look on the links page for web sites about ministry careers. Go to the web sites. Join the groups. Also, let your priest know that you're wondering about a ministry career. Tell the Youth Missioners and we'll help you find internships and contacts. Also, The Bishop likes to meet with anyone 11th grade or older who is considering ministry careers. The Bishop has helped a lot of kids and young adults!

There's also a Committee on Holy Orders in our diocese which helps people discern what kind of ministry God is calling them to. If it's ordained ministry, then there's a discernment process which takes about two years and involves two discernment groups and some meetings. It's required for all priests and deacons. So... plan to get involved in this process long before you go to seminary.

A good way to start exploring this road is to make an appointment with our Bishop.