God’s Call to Discipleship

A burning bush, angelic appearances, an overwhelming catch of fish—being ‘called’ in the Bible often involves miracles and supernatural circumstances. Mine did not. No divine voice boomed, “Become a vocational deacon, Gigi.” But when I think about it, my path to the diaconate had themes in common with those earlier invitations, elements that guide all of us to a greater understanding of discipleship.

The first theme is receptivity – actively listening for God’s still, small voice and being open to its beckoning. Jesus speaks directly to Peter, telling him to put aside his fishing nets, so he can “catch people.” An angel leads Mary to mother a movement that will change the world.

My call started with a trusted friend and mentor, who gently asked if I’d ever considered the diaconate. I had very few reference points. I grew up in the Episcopal church, but none of the parishes that I worshipped at had deacons. I’d heard the Steely Dan song Deacon Blues, but I was fairly sure that wasn’t going to be helpful. At the time, I was coordinating a hot breakfast ministry for unhoused folks and advocating for affordable housing. So, when she told me a deacon is the bridge between the Church and the world, especially encouraging the voices of the marginalized, I was intrigued.  

Another theme of my call was recognizing that God created each of us specifically and loves us unconditionally. When I finally understood the diaconal call, I only knew two people who had pursued it – a licensed marriage and family counselor and a history professor with extensive knowledge of theology and spirituality. I’m not a mental health care professional or an intellectual heavyweight, so I felt like Peter when Jesus asked him to follow. Me? You must be kidding.

Then I remembered the series of parish profiles I wrote. I heard stories of transformation and change that could only be the work of the Holy Spirit. I realized that God gives each of us unique gifts for holy work; we have everything we need to take our place in God’s expansive community if we only believe it.

God’s call takes time to come to fruition; that’s our third theme. Paul was rounding up and persecuting Christians long before accepting Jesus’ invitation to proclaim His Good News. I spent over twenty years teaching Sunday School – many of them as a Godly Play storyteller. I learned to recognize the inherent spirituality of everyone, especially the youngest of my siblings in Christ. Sharing our wonderings about God helped me to see how the Holy Spirit was moving in my own life.

My diaconal call evolved over three years. It involved two years of study through the West Coast Collaborative (WCC), field placement, and a process of discernment aided by individuals and groups of folks who helped me make sense of God’s whisperings.

That point leads me to the fourth call theme – community. It’s not always easy to perceive what God is calling us to do and be; we need each other’s guidance, as well as God’s. Paul, struck blind, was helped by his friends into Damascus, where he was compassionately cared for and ultimately healed by Jesus’ disciples.

Community shaped my journey of discipleship. A group of women became trusted companions on the way, meeting weekly for reading, discussions, and discovering. Working with Sacred Ground circles and LARK workshops revealed the injustices of racial inequality and the necessity of repentance as a guidepost to reconciliation.

To build relationships between volunteers and our neighbors in need after our community breakfast on Saturday mornings, several of us developed a short prayer liturgy. One of our neighbors calls it the Table of Kindness; it’s a space for sharing moments of suffering, resilience, and hope. Together, we’re extending God’s table outside the sanctuary into the world via a picnic table on the lawn.

I could not have followed the sacred path to ordination were it not for the loving WCC community of mentors and postulants who gathered online every Thursday evening for sharing, learning, and discussing theological and practical assignments. Both my sending and field placement parishes held me close in loving care, even as they allowed me to delight in new ministries and liturgical presence.

The fifth theme – trust – is a summary of the previous four, because well, life happens. And though God’s way is simple, it isn’t easy. Peter bowed to political pressure, denying Jesus before recognizing him as the Messiah and working tirelessly to spread his gospel of love.

My discernment process was marked by joys and struggles – family deaths and births, a move to a new home, and assorted illnesses. I told my spiritual director and anyone who would listen that I was holding the call lightly, and I knew that I could pause my diaconal work at any time. My mantra became a verse from John 15 “Abide in me, as I abide in you”, and somehow, there was always time and grace to accomplish God’s purposes.

So, Scripture helps us understand five themes of the Divine call to discipleship – being open to God, recognizing our gifts, taking time, discerning in community, and trusting God’s direction. It’s important to note that, though my call ultimately resulted in ordination, God welcomes us all into holy work of renewal. The invitation to discipleship is different for each of us and changes from season to season in our lives, but everyone has a part to play in the restoration of God’s creation, which is torn apart by division and exclusion. 

I am called to be a deacon. What are you called to? 

If you are considering a call to the ordained ministry or would just like to learn more, join Diocesan leaders at the Day of Information scheduled for September 20 from 10:00-2:00 at St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs and October 18 from 10:00-2:00 at the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach. Registration is required.