Christian vocation is a celebration of all that God has given us. It is rooted in a life of prayer and service, set within the
wider context of God’s world and God’s church. As Christians are nurtured and encouraged in their local churches, gifts are
shared and ministries develop and grow, enabling the transformation of individuals, churches and the world.
Here you can find some resources to support the local ministry team in helping individuals discover and use their gifts.
SHAPE course
Our vision is making Jesus known in every place, so that all may flourish and grow, seeking God’s Kingdom here and now. Enabling that flourishing and growth is our aim in making Your SHAPE for God’s Service available to worshipping communities across the diocese.
It is a series of three sessions designed to help churches as they enable people to discover their unique SHAPE, the gifts God has given them and how they might use those in God’s service. It will help you to develop disciples, and the gifts of all God’s people. As we serve Christ, we look to identify these gifts, invest in their development and find practical opportunities to use them.
We hope this process will enable participants to live and serve with more joy, satisfaction and fruitfulness, contributing to the flourishing of their church, as well as affecting the way each person engages with their family, friends, job, community, and voluntary/leisure activities.
Session Overview
Each two-hour session includes teaching, biblical reflection, practical exercises, discussion, and time for prayer.
Personal Reflection
After each session, participants complete a short at-home reflection to deepen learning and application.
One-to-One Review
At the end, each participant is encouraged into meeting with a priest or minister to help participants explore next steps. Resources are provided for this below.
Flexible Format
Sessions can be run within a single church or in partnership with others
You are welcome to customise the course for your context, expanding some sessions if you wish to give more time to particular topics. The second session makes use of material from the CPAS Growing Leaders Course, which in turn draws on a six session course exploring SHAPE that has been used in many churches and dioceses over the last decade and more.
Take a look at the resources below:
SHAPE course Participants Booklet
Other resources
Guidance Notes on Raising the Temperature of Vocational Conversations
Building teams so that all might flourish and grow
Events
Exploring Gods Call
Sometimes we can be aware that God is prompting us to something, but we’re not sure what that is or what to do about it. This zoom information evening will offer insights into the ministries for which the Diocese of Salisbury licenses or commissions individuals, with opportunities to hear from people in different roles, and information about the discernment processes.
19:00 - 20:30, Wednesday 21 May 2025
For queries, email: vocations@salisbury.anglican.org