Claire always believed you could only have one calling, and for her, that calling was clear: to help those who help others. It’s why her role at the Diocese mattered so much. But then came a nudge - gentle at first - from colleagues, her incumbent, and her church family, suggesting there was more God was asking of her.
"I buried my head in the sand. I carried on helping at church and going to work. But then I started Exploring Christianity, and the nudge started coming from another place."
Conversations with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and the Advisor for Lay Ministry opened her eyes to something new.
"You can have more than one calling. Yes, I am called to be an administrator, but I am also called to be a wife, an aunt, a godmother - and now an LLM!"
For Claire, being a Licensed Lay Minister means being part of the ministry team while giving voice to the congregation. She wants to be a bridge, ministering for them, and carrying their concerns. Even now, she senses callings within her calling. She has a passion for helping those who can’t get to church on Sundays, and for older members who sometimes feel overlooked as the focus shifts to younger generations.
Above all, Claire’s first calling remains the same: to support those who support others - in her work and in her ministry.
Your support helps people like Claire step into their calling.
Every donation to the Diocese of Bristol helps open the door to training, formation, and ongoing support for LLMs across our region.
Thank you for reading Claire’s story. Come back tomorrow to open the next door and hear from another of our dedicated lay ministers.