ReadyToServe is a new opportunity that provides the space and inspiration for you to explore God’s calling to ordained ministry.

Spread over 12 months, you will receive input across 3 in-person gatherings, online seminars and 1:1 conversations. You will hear from exceptional speakers, share spacious times of worship and prayer, and engage in conversations of depth and discernment. This is all grounded in a supportive community, where you will meet and share with others exploring God’s call on their lives.

I am delighted that we are able to offer this opportunity to explore with others a calling to ordained ministry. I believe we are living at a time of extraordinary opportunity for the church. Many are sensing a change in the spiritual temperature in our wider culture, with an increased spiritual hunger, particularly among younger people. There are also increasing needs around us in society and many serious challenges in the wider world. God is renewing his church to engage more deeply in prayer and in sharing the transforming power of the gospel. As a diocese we are committed to Growing Disciples of Jesus with compassion, confidence and courage, so that together as the people of God we are inspired, equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to join in with all that God is doing. Please take a look at the Living Hope stories we have been sharing on our diocesan website that bring such great encouragement to the ministry we share (watch here).

As we continue growing the church in every place, it is important to support those who God is calling to serve in all kinds of ministry, but especially at this time for those who would be ordained to be servant leaders. It is a wonderful calling to receive, yet not without cost. This programme is designed to inspire, also providing a grounded biblical framework for exploring the opportunities and responsibilities of ordained ministry. Not everyone coming on this programme will discern a call to an ordained ministry, but all can be strengthened and encouraged to continue serving God wherever they are, with equal worth and value in his sight. 

Paul Williams – Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham

ReadyToServe is open to all to those who consider they are ‘ready to serve’ and want to explore ordination. While focused particularly on Southwell & Nottingham, it is also open to those beyond the diocese who would find it a help and encouragement in exploring God’s calling to ordained ministry.

We hope ReadyToServe will bring inspiration in growing as a disciple of Christ while considering new opportunities to serve, providing valuable space for conversations and personal reflection, with insight and teaching from experienced leaders. This programme is not a formal discernment process, but for some this may support their journey towards that in their own diocese, or in Southwell and Nottingham.