How do you know?

The call is different for each person. God made each of us unique for a specific ministry, and He speaks to each of us differently. My call was through gentle "nudges" and "pushes" (I can't think of another way to describe it). I have heard that others heard God calling in the booming "God Voice".

Firt, pray -- a lot. Also, if you haven't already, take a Spiritual Gift inventory. Additionally, plug into ministries in your church. Finally, talk to your priest.

As far as the next step, I don't know what the Episcopalian process is. Discuss this with your priest as well. In the United Methodist church, I had to meet with my pastor, then meet with the District Superintendent. I was assigned a Mentor, and I am currently going through the UMC Candiate for Ordained Ministry Guidebook with my mentor. My next step is an interview with our District Committee on Ministries, and then License to Preach school. I plan to enter seminary in the fall.

Hope this helps.

Be blessed! <><
Mark

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

God will honor your step of faith just as He honored the Levites for stepping out at the "Golden Calf Incident." Don't wait on God too long! He has already given us His will in Scripture--for His glory to be throughout all the earth and His name known among all peoples. God has granted each of us certain gifts, and if you feel (or have taken a gifts test, even better) you have the gifts of leadership or teaching or discipleship pursue that! If you pick a wrong road God will close the door, but don't stop going down a road too soon! Hardships are for all of us.

Read some missionary biographies. CT Studd, John Wesley, Hudson Taylor, William Carey and there are so many more in the last 250 years that would be enlightening to your circumstance, I believe.