The Missioner for Young Adult Vocation

Rev. Beth Turner

The Rev. Beth Turner has served in and through the Diocese of Western North Carolina for almost eighteen years. While on the diocesan staff she developed Christian Formation, Justice and Outreach Ministries in new and imaginative directions. She served St. Matthias Church, Asheville as transitional deacon. Upon ordination to the priesthood at Holy Cross Church, Valle Crucis in 2005, she joined the staff as Associate to the Rector—which included serving as Vicar of St. John the Baptist Church, Lower Watauga, and as Campus Minister at Appalachian State University. She continues her ministry with students at Appalachian and, in January 2010, Beth was approved by the Bishop to serve as Missioner for Young Adult Vocation.

Serving the historic churches of Valle Crucis was an important season of my own spiritual growth and vocational discernment. The traditions of the saints of the High Country still live in these places so deeply rooted in the missionary movement of the Episcopal Church. The dedication of our forebears to education for all, to the alleviation of poverty and injustice, and to a focus on discernment and the preparation of future spiritual leaders captured my heart and imagination. I came to believe that there are powerful connections to be made between the priorities and passions of today’s young adults and those of our faithful ancestors. Drawing on  historic commitments to vocation care and young adult leadership development can only serve to enliven these same commitments in our church today.

As was true for our spiritual forebears, our many callings are not lived out in isolation. For this reason, the Vocation Project will connect young adults with diverse intergenerational communities where they may listen accurately for God’s call and engage God’s dream for justice with prayer, study and action.

For more information, contact Rev. Beth Turner, Missioner for Young Adult Vocation, yavocation@gmail.com or 828-406-1332.

Click here to read more about the Brother Skiles Internships.

Click here to read more about Moveable Feasts.

Click here to read more about the Young Adult Vocation Project.