The word “vocation” is derived from the Latin word vocare "to call."  There are many callings in life.  A person can be called to be married or remain single for the sake of kingdom.  A person can be called by God for a particular task, job or career.  Some people feel that God has called them by giving them a set of gifts and abilities that many others do not have. 

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Christianity often speaks of vocations to Holy Orders, vocations to religious life and vocations to marriage.  Some traditions see these vocations as separate.  For instance, essentially all Roman Catholic bishops and many Roman Catholic priests are ordained but not married and Orthodox bishops are unmarried.  Other traditions see these vocations as complementary including many Independent Sacramental Ministry jurisdictions. 

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Many individuals are interested in the Independent Sacramental Movement as they are discerning a vocation to Holy Orders.  The Independent Sacramental Movement appeals to many who are unable to discern a vocation in mainline churches due to issues of race, gender, sexual preferences, theological beliefs and more.  Moreover, the Independent Sacramental Movement appeals to individuals already ordained but are alienated from their mainline church.  Sometimes, ministers leave their church home and are looking for a community that better fits their theological beliefs, practices, and identity.

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This section is meant to be a resource for people discerning a vocation.  I am not telling you what to do as every jurisdiction is different.  God gives a different call to each person and you are endowed with gifts and abilities that no one else has.  The best advice I can give someone considering ordained ministry is to truly pray and discern.