ELM

Education for Life and Ministry

Period of Discernmentelm_logo_cmyk.pdf (1 page)-1-3

Resources for those wishing to undertake a Period of Discernment or for Presbyteries can be found on our Resources page.
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What is a Period of Discernment?


At the heart of this process is the understanding that discipleship and ministry is a calling on all people who have been baptised. This ministry may be expressed:

  • within the local congregation
    • in your workplace or the community
    • or within one of the specified ministries of the Uniting Church.

We believe that no ministry is more important or more holy than any other.

The Period of Discernment is a process approved by the National Assembly in 1997 to enable the church and individuals together, to discern God’s call on their life for future ministry and where our individual ministry lies.

Whilst all people considering offering as a candidate for one of the specified ministries of the church have to participate in the Period of Discernment, it is not just for such people. There are no pre-determined outcomes – the Period of Discernment provides an opportunity for all members of the church to clarify God’s call on their lives to serve in any number of different areas.

At a number of points during the Period of Discernment process, you will meet with representatives of the church, and together you will seek to discover God’s directions for your life.

Those people who are considering offering themselves as a candidate for one of the specified ministries should read Candidating for Specified Ministry on Pages 32 and 33 of the downloadable POD Information KIt (on our Resources page) prior to registering for the Period of Discernment.


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