Called To Serve - how it can work

An event held annually in our diocese can lead to personal transformation and a great dedication to serving God. Our Director of Ordinands, the Revd RAY SAMUELS, tells how attending 'Called to Serve' set a retired judge on the road to ordination ...

Back in 2006 Steven Hildreth (pictured) was a freelance law lecturer and immigration judge. He was also was keen to be involved in ministry, so with the encouragement of his vicar he attended 'Called to Serve'.

‘Called to Serve’ is an annual event that aims to let people hear about the various licensed ministries and their training requirements. The next one will be held in January next year – see details below.

Six years ago Steven went along on the day thinking Reader ministry would be his destination.

However, after a general introduction to all the ways of serving, each participant is asked to choose two workshops to look at two ministries in greater depth. Steven chose to hear more about Reader and Ordained ministry.

To his surprise he found himself 'strangely warmed' by what he heard about ordination and left determined to find out more. That eventually led to three years of part-time ordination training.

“I enjoyed the fellowship and found the experience both inspiring and challenging,” he said.
In 2011 he was ordained deacon to serve at St Paul's, Boughton, where he now works as a self- supporting curate for half the week.

Steven added: “I have found serving as a curate to be both a tremendous privilege and a sometimes daunting responsibility. I am so glad that I went along to ‘Called to Serve’ because it was there that I heard how I should be serving God in my retirement.”

The next ‘Called to Serve’ is at St John's Hartford Parish Centre on Saturday 26 January 2013. Look on the diocesan website for details or ring the DDO office on 01244 346945.