2013 marks the centenary of the Church of England’s established process for selecting candidates for ordained ministry – a process that the Ministry Division still uses today.

The Testing of Vocation is a comprehensive and detailed study that will provide an essential reference volume for historians and all students of the vocation and ministry in today’s Church.

It explores in detail the Church of England’s concept of vocation and how it has developed over the century in response to changes in society and in the church. It examines the changing approaches to ordained ministry in the aftermath of two world wars; in response to declining numbers and the closure of theological colleges; in the light of new developments such as the ordination of women and the advent of non-stipendiary ministry (an innovation suggested by Archbishop Michael Ramsey) and ordained local ministry.

This unique and comprehensive record is authorised by the Ministry Division of the Church of England.