Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Discernment: it’s not about ordination to the priesthood. Outside the church I’m not sure people consciously talk much about “discernment.” But in our Episcopal Church, “discernment” often becomes shorthand for the process someone goes through to become a priest.

That’s why it was a joy last week to be contacted by a lay person doing faithful discernment. The email said:

Hello, I am a Lay Leader of a very small church and I would like to talk to you because I am being called to use my Gifts in the community. I have a few ideas, but unsure how to proceed. Can I make an appointment to talk to someone?
Thank You,
Denise

A few days later we spoke on the phone for half an hour. Denise described her current ministries in the church: she’s been a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) and stewardship chair, participates in a regular prayer group, and helps lead an ecumenical healing ministry. But since attending Cursillo a few years ago, Denise has heard a “clamoring” inside her that she just can’t ignore. Through conversation with her priest, she’s come to understand that she has the gift of prayer. Now she wants to do more – to “put some structure to it” so that she can minister to people in need, such as military families or hospital patients.

Why she chose to contact me, a stranger, is a bit of a mystery. But the Spirit must have coordinated it. I have to admit that one of my gifts is listening to and encouraging people in their discernment. I love getting to witness how God is working through another person. Even though I had dozens of other things to do at work that week, I’m glad I made time for Denise.

Mostly I listened, but I also affirmed what I heard her articulating and discussed a few ways she might continue moving forward. My primary advice was simple: don’t hide your light under a bushel. If this is your call, don’t be shy about claiming it, telling others, and inviting them to join with you. Then a light went off in her head. Denise remembered that the women of the diocese would be gathering in a few weeks for a retreat. Since she already knew several of them, she decided her next step would be to share her vision and see how the women’s network could assist her in further discerning a new prayer ministry.

I’ve been part of several discernment processes – people of all ages, seeking a variety of lay and ordained ministries, through formal and informal structures. Unfortunately, I think we sometimes make “discernment” too complicated or too constricted. Last week’s conversation with Denise was a reminder that discernment is something we all do, all the time. Sometimes we just need a little extra support from our brothers and sisters in Christ. I wonder how you are supporting others in discerning their gifts and calls? I wonder if you are ready to shine your light into the world?

My prayer this week for Denise, and you, comes from our Baptismal liturgy:

…Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. (BCP p. 308)