{"id":8613,"date":"2021-05-04T10:19:36","date_gmt":"2021-05-04T14:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earlhamsor.wpengine.com\/?page_id=8613"},"modified":"2023-03-07T10:22:08","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T15:22:08","slug":"answering-the-call-to-ministry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/esr.earlham.edu\/about\/answering-the-call-to-ministry\/","title":{"rendered":"Answering the Call to Ministry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Home<\/a><\/span> : About<\/a><\/span> : Answering the Call to Ministry<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Answering the call to ministry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We look around the world and see that ministry isn\u2019t bound to the pulpit. Persistent inequality, poverty, violence and oppression call for response in the form of committed, loving action. How we choose to act varies with every individual. Each of us has unique gifts, specific talents, and leadings to address that which is broken in society. We have, as Friends say, that of God within each of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The action we take is the product of our empathy, passions, experiences, talents, leadings and education. We may be teachers, chaplains, or peace workers. We may be storytellers, businesspeople, or health care providers. We may be journalists, spiritual directors, or pastors. In every vocation, on every one of life\u2019s paths, we can find vital ways to serve this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ministry isn\u2019t just a vocation or a calling. It\u2019s a way of being in this world\u2013seeking to make it whole. This is the ministry that ESR supports and equips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How ESR prepares students for ministry<\/mark><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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Preparation for ministry is the product of a holistic education that challenges the intellect and deepens the Spirit. We strive to provide an environment where both can flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our faculty and students share a belief in challenging, intensive study. We encourage students to think deeply and critically about the historical, theological and spiritual aspects of their faith journeys. This transformative approach to education doesn\u2019t seek to simply reinforce what students believe, but to nurture an informed understanding of their faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developing that understanding is more than an exercise of the intellect. Spiritual formation at ESR is a reciprocal relationship between students, faculty and the wider community. Students don\u2019t make this faith journey alone. Courses, supervised field ministry, and personal relationships are the proving grounds for leadings of the Spirit and gifts of ministry. Together, we work to discern our place in ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ESR’s role among Friends<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Earlham School of Religion has long been a place where Friends from many Quaker traditions can gather. We fill a unique role among Friends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n