Discernment
"What is God calling me to?"
Discernment is the intentional investigation of “What is God calling me to?” The process of making choices through the eyes of faith, bringing us closer to the person Christ wants us to be.
The Office of Clergy Formation and Transition Ministry helps guide individuals through the discernment process. A process designed to help you discover where God wants you to be. We provide a path that works in community to establish your gifts as a person of faith. Discernment is not simply a path to ordained ministry; it is an active process of engaging the community of God to discover yourself.
All discernment, lay and ordained, begins in the congregational setting. Your church community is there to help. An active discernment utilizes congregational leadership, sponsoring clergy, the Bishop, the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee--facilitated by the Office of Formation and Transition Ministry.
You might find these useful during the process. They are separated according to area of discernment.
Life’s Work-Personal Mission:
Dwight Judy, Discerning Life Transitions: Listening Together in Spiritual Direction
Richard Nelson Bolles, How to Find Your Mission in Life
Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Suzanne Farnham, et al Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community
Sam Portaro, Transforming Vocation
Deacon:
Rosalind Brown, Being a Deacon Today: Exploring a Distinctive Ministry in the Church and in the World
Marriage:
Linda Grenz and Delbert Glover, The Marriage Journey: Preparations and Provisions for Life Together
Sasha Cagen, Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics
Parenting:
Herbert Anderson and Susan Johnson, Regarding Children: A New Respect for Childhood and Families
Sherrie Eldridge, 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed
Priest:
Heidi Neumark, Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx
Martin Copenhaver and Lillian Daniel, This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers
Richard Lischer, Open Secrets: A Memoir of Faith and Discovery
Eugene Peterson, The Pastor: A Memoir
Gordon Lathrop, The Pastor: A Spirituality