A good start is to watch the video from Rev Neil Glover talking about how to explore your calling.

As Neil suggests, approaching your local parish Minister is a great starting point to explore your calling.

Church of Scotland also has a Vocations Network whom you can connect with – find out more by emailing vocations@churchofscotland.org.uk.

You can also visit Talking Ministry, where a number of ministers talk about their calling and their subsequent progression into ministry.

There are different routes into training that can vary the length; for example, a previous degree in theology. The training we offer is comprehensive and ensures the best start to ministerial formation. Ministry has some exciting challenges that we help prepare for in our initial ministerial education programme, and continue to support through our continued ministerial development scheme.

You can find out more on our training page.

Yes. When accepted for ministry you will have an initial course meeting with one of our training team and together we will sketch out your learning path. For those with previous theological training this will often mean a reduced period in formal education. We have a fantastic conference programme which runs alongside the academic training too.

We provide a range of funded support for degree or postgraduate study. There are often a number of smaller grants that can also be applied for during studies.

Fees are paid for students in training. This is either done via SAAS or Faith Nurture Forum (formerly Ministries Council) depending on prior training.

At the moment candidates for full-time ministry and Diaconate can receive:

• Candidates' grants of £15,000 paid annually in monthly instalments
• Travel expenses while on placement from church to placement activities
• Ordained Local Ministry candidates' fees are paid

Throughout training for ministry you will have review meetings which documents training that has been achieved, and highlights areas for further development. For probationary placement we work with you to find the right place and the right supervisor to prepare you for life in the parish.

During probationary placement remuneration is set at 85% of national stipend, which is reviewed annually. Currently, the national stipend starts at £26,119, so probationary remuneration is currently £22,201.

Ministers receive the national stipend which is the same for all Ministers. This is reviewed annually and currently starts at £26,119.

A manse (house) is provided to all our full-time Parish Ministers. This is normally located close to the church buildings.

The Church has recently renewed efforts for lifelong learning and additional resources are being made available to ensure that Ministerial formation continues throughout your ministry.

During your probationary placement you will attend a number of conferences that help make you ready for the next stage. We spend time looking at applying for a charge. There is advice on the practicalities and further support and guidance in discerning where your call is leading you.

We've gathered a wide-range of first-hand accounts from a wide diversity of Church of Scotland Ministers. They talk about their calling, the challenges and rewards of their role as parish Minister and their outlook on life. Hear from our Ministers here.

The Admissions Process is currently on hold with no applications being accepted at the moment. Should you continue to be interested in ministry in the Church of Scotland, please check here for updates after our General Assembly in May 2025.

Contact ministry@churchofscotland.org.uk to find out more.