Read why these active ministers chose a ministry vocation, what they love about it, and what challenges they face.

Hewitt T. Holmes

Read the stories here or visit the Entering Ministry YouTube channel to view stories of people who have followed a call to leadership in the church.

It's Your Call Podcast

Ever wondered about a call to ministry? Or wanted to hear the stories of those who have answered a call? Then join us on It's Your Call to learn more about how you might answer a call from God to ministry in the United Church. Each episode of this podcast, hosted by Karen Medland and Andrew Richardson, brings together guests for conversations about vocation, discernment, and bold discipleship. Available at Apple, Spotify, Google, and wherever else you get your podcasts.

My Story: Rev. Dr. Margaret MacDonald, Ordained Minister

Published On: February 12, 2020

Margaret shares the story of her call to leadership: “It is an ongoing conversion experience to listen to the voices of each one from the diversity of life striving to do God’s work.”

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My Story: Marlene Britton-Walfall, Diaconal Minister

Published On: May 15, 2017

Marlene shares the story of her call to leadership: “The opportunity to share with people in various spheres of life has been the greatest part of ministry.”

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My Story: Adam Kilner, Ordained Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

Adam shares the story of his call to leadership: "If you're in it to make a difference, make sure you believe in the resurrection…. The church…requires ministers of great courage."

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My Story: Hewitt T. Holmes, Ordained Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

Hewitt shares the story of his call to leadership: "From an earlier age of 9, I knew that ministry was my calling and vocation. I [was] always…willing to have deep conversations with people about God."

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My Story: Carolyn Wilson Wynne, Diaconal Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

Carolyn shares the story of her call to leadership: "The greatest part of ministry is the people with whom I celebrate and lament."

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My Story: The Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea, Ordained Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

John shares the story of his call to leadership: "My minister ... suggested that I enter ministry. At first glance I thought he was out of his mind. After much prayer and reflection ministry called me with the holy sledge hammer."

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My Story: Melanie Kirk, Ordained Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

Melanie shares the story of her call to leadership: "It is an exciting and challenging time to be part of the church… I rejoice for all the various ways that the United Church is wrestling with what it means to be church in this time."

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My Story: Adam Hall, Ordained Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

Adam shares the story of his call to leadership: "So often we all get caught up in the bottom line... When we do that, we forget that we are ... children of God, and God is constantly speaking to us through a variety of means."

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My Story: Matthew Fillier, Ordained Minister

Published On: December 10, 2015

Matthew shares the story of his call to leadership: "The Spirit will not relent in the pursuit of abundant life. My greatest hope is that leaders…will rise up in response to the times."

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