A ll American Baptist Churches have been sent resources for use on Church Vocations Sunday, February 13. New qualified and committed leaders are needed for the future ministry of the Church. First, the congregations expect that God is calling persons to vocational ministry. An environment of expectation is created, especially in worship. There is a regular emphasis on lay and vocational ministry calling and a group of leaders who have gifts of identifying and encouraging others to consider the call to ministry and praying for them.
Churches can have visible reminders in meeting and worship areas.
There may be pictures of those members who have entered vocational ministry. These congregations provide strong programs for learning that challenge persons to grow and to share their gifts in ministry. The worship is vital because it connects the faith to life in meaningful ways. The programs have strong leaders who make a significant impact on the lives of students. Third, pastoral leaders in these churches offer an attractive and positive model of vocational ministry.