Have you ever felt called to serve? Maybe it’s a quiet feeling that has been in the background for a while, or maybe it’s something new you can’t ignore. Either way, if you’re thinking about becoming a leader in church and being ordained in the UK, we’re here to help you explore that.

At Stour Church, we believe ordination isn’t about status or titles. It’s about saying yes to God’s call, stepping out to serve, and leading others in faith, hope, and love. Our church is built on mission… we’re out on the streets, supporting people where they are, and we’re looking for new leaders who share that heart.

Getting Ordained

Getting ordained at Stour Church means being trained, supported, and sent out to serve. Our ministers and deacons are leaders, pastors, teachers, and companions to people navigating life’s challenges. They run missions, lead worship, offer spiritual care, and bring the good news to the everyday spaces of Stourbridge.

We believe ordination is about service, not position. It’s about living out faith in action… making sandwiches, stocking food banks, walking alongside the vulnerable, and showing people that God’s love is real. If leadership isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you could explore other church vocations.

Who Can Be Ordained?

You don’t need to have a perfect background or years of experience to be ordained. What matters most is your heart: a love for God, a passion for people, and a willingness to grow. Whether you’re just exploring or you know deep down this is your next step, there’s room for you here with us.

If you feel called, we’ll walk the journey with you through training, mentoring, and helping you build the skills you need to serve well. That means we cover the cost of your training and make sure that it fits in around existing commitments you have.

Your Next Steps

Getting ordained is a big step, and it can be daunting, but you won’t be alone. To make sure you know what the path to getting ordained looks like, here are the typical steps:

  • Initial Conversation: Start by sending us a message or email to let us know you’re interested in getting ordained, and we’ll arrange an informal chat, either in person or online. That meeting is all about getting to know you and your story, answering your questions, and talking about what you’re feeling called to.
  • Mentoring: After that first meeting, you’ll be paired with a mentor from Stour Church who will walk alongside you. Together, you’ll meet regularly to pray, reflect, and talk through your journey. This stage usually lasts a few months and helps confirm if ordination is the right next step.
  • Training and Preparation: Once you’re ready, you’ll begin a time of training to help prepare you for ministry. This isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about growing in faith, confidence, and skill. You’ll dive deeper into the Bible, learn about leadership, mission, worship, and more.
  • Ordination: When the time is right, we’ll celebrate your ordination together! The service is a joyful moment where you are commissioned to serve God through Stour Church, with the prayers and support of our whole community.

If you’d like to take the next step and explore the opportunity to get ordained with us here in Stourbridge, drop us a message at office@stourchurch.co.uk or send a text or WhatsApp message to 07507 703803. Let’s start the conversation and see where God might be calling you next!