Kalyn Merritt, a junior at Crystal Lake (Ill.) High School, is active in leading children’s and youth ministry at First United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake. She wasn’t necessarily thinking about ordained ministry.

But her pastor, Rev. Lisa Kruse-Safford, encouraged her to attend Ignite, a North Central Jurisdiction event to showcase opportunities to serve through the United Methodist Church and help people discern where they may be called. So Kalyn joined about 80 others who attended the gathering March 13-15 at Wespath Benefits and Investments in Glenview, Ill.

For many, the event led them to think of calling in new ways. Kalyn arrived thinking that she might pursue children and youth ministry, but after hearing a presentation by the General Board of Global Ministries, she’s now interested in learning more about mission work.

Participants—who represented a broad range of ages—joined in worship and chose among 12 workshops. These addressed ministry for the lay and ordained, in such topics as “What is Ordination and is It Right for Me?” “Church Planting/Fresh Expressions,” “Mission and Missionary Ministry,” to “How to Pay for Seminary,” among others.

The spirit at the event was energetic.  

Rev. Jonathan Priebe, chair of NCJ Committee on Ordained Ministry, which organized the event, recalled recall 2 Timothy 1:6: "Fan into flame the gift of God that is within you.” 

“At times over the past few years, many of us have felt like we were personally burning low or sitting among the ashes of things that used to burn brighter,” he observed.

"That’s why Ignite felt so hopeful. You could sense God starting new things all around you. The Holy Spirit was there calling new leaders, strengthening those who have already said yes, and fanning the flames of ministry again."

Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, resident bishop of the Indiana Conference and the Council of Bishops president, set an encouraging tone at the opening worship service on March 14. Preaching from 1 Samuel 3:1-10, she reminded listeners that “calling rarely begins with a road map. It begins with a nudge.”

One need not wait to feel completely prepared and ready. “God does not call the fully formed. God forms the called,” she said.

And she prodded them with this question: “What if what you are experiencing as uncomfortable is an invitation?”

Miriam Safford, a young adult Global Mission Fellow, in GBGM’s US-2 program, serves as a missionary at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle. Her mother—Rev. Kruse-Safford—encouraged her also to attend Ignite.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to connect with seminaries,” she said. The list of workshops intrigued her even more.

While young adults filled the hallways at Wespath, seasoned adults were also present and exploring ministry possibilities.

“I’m inspired by seeing so many people here who are older,” Miriam said. “Discernment is an ongoing life journey. It can change over time.

“It’s relieving to know that God is always calling us. We can change; we don’t have to have it all figured out.”

Once such seasoned adult is Amania Drane, a project manager for the Northern Illinois Conference and member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Bolingbrook, Ill.

“Ignite was an encouraging and discerning space that affirmed that God is already at work in calling, preparing, and equipping clergy and laity to serve and lead the curch into missional, just, and empowering ways to share the love of God in our local church, communities, and in the world,” she said.

The hopeful mood continued after the event drew to a close.

"I'm fired up! I learned so much and am even more committed to continue on this journey,” a participant wrote in the event evaluation.