We rejoice in God’s call on younger people to serve him in many different ways, in the church and in the world. Often younger people are asking what God is wanting them to do with their lives. God’s call might be to serve him in many different ways, including licensed or ordained ministry in the Church of England. So are there other young people like me in ministry?

Yes - take a look below at the stories of young people who have joyfully responded to God’s call on their lives in different ways.

(Left to right) Sam Sheppard and Megan Clews)

(Left to right: Ben Thompson, Lizzy Barrett and Phil Manning)

(Left to right: Becky Meilton, Josh Bradshaw and Ellie Huggins)

Josh Bradshaw's story (Young Vocation Advocate)

Although I had been around amazing faith my whole life, I only came to a truly surrendered faith in Jesus as a late-teen when I was on my way to University to study Law. My initial plan had been law because I found it interesting and the lawyers I knew seemed to live the high life I wanted, yet as Jesus began to transform my heart it was God’s desire for justice and His bias towards the poor and oppressed that spurred me towards law. More

Sam Sheppard's story (Young Vocation Champion)

I had my first meeting with the DDO when I was 18. Whilst I always had the support of my priest and my amazing church everybody kind of knew it was a long shot. I was young, too young I was told quite often. I’m from a working class family. I wasn’t well spoken or well educated, I had no prospects of going to university and perhaps my biggest challenge: I’m not churchy enough. More

Ellie Huggins (Young Vocations Advocate)

Although I grew up in a Christian family, it wasn’t until I was fourteen and a couple from a local Bible College came to our church with the task of setting up a youth group that I came to know Jesus as a friend. This was a life transforming time for me both in terms of leading me into a deeper relationship with God as well highlighting for me the impact that obeying God’s call to minister to others can have on people’s lives. More

Megan Clews's story

From about the age of twelve, I felt a strong sense God would lead me into ‘something’, but I never thought it would involve ordination! More

Becky Meilton's story

I was asked if I wanted to volunteer with the youth work in the church. I reluctantly agreed but very quickly discovered I loved youth work! I loved seeing young people come to know Jesus and working out who God has made them to be. More

Ben Thompson's story (Young Vocation Advocate)

As a teenager, my passion was for music, both at school and in my (non-Anglican) Church. I trained to become a professional musician, and fell in love with and, in my early twenties, married a music academic . My time spent at church was chiefly centred around Music in worship and outreach. More

Lizzy Barrett's story

After being distant from church for some time in my teens and going through a particularly challenging first year at Uni, I felt pulled to try church again. This also resulted in me experiencing Alpha for the first time. More

Phil Manning's story

I am currently going into my final year of training for ordination. The last five years have been unexpected, exciting and, eventful as I have felt a calling, explored it More

 Josh, Ben, Ellie and Sam work with the Advisor for Lay Ministry and the Advisor for Vocations and Ordinands:

1. To encourage young people to discover how God is calling them forward by exploring their vocation in the widest sense;

2. To identify any hurdles that might prevent young people from pursuing their calling in this diocese;

3. To raise the profile of young vocations in this diocese;

If you would like to connect with Josh, Ben, Ellie or Sam please contact the Adviser for Vocations and Ordinands.