Are You Called to be a Licensed Lay Minister?

Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader ministry) is nationally recognised as a highly significant ministry for the Church of England today, and is a vital part of Bristol Diocese’s strategy for ministry and mission in the 21st century. It is for this reason that we invest significant time, effort and commitment to developing this ministry, and encouraging vocations to this specific call.

Licensed Lay Ministers are significant, valuable members of ministry teams. Some are in full time work, some retired, some in positions of leadership within industry, some full time parents or carers …. All are trained and equipped, canonically authorised and episcopally licensed, and freely give their ministry as people who know themselves called by God to this vocation.

Licensed Lay Ministry is exercised in diverse ways, and not necessarily restricted to the congregational life of the church community, but to kingdom-wide service and connectedness, in areas and relationships that are beyond intentional Christian gathering.

Some of our Licensed Lay Ministers have significant involvement in mission and outreach, schools work and witness, offering a ministry of the word and pastoral responsibility in opportunities for making connections both within and outside of the church beyond the traditional model of preaching and teaching.

LLM’s go through a structured training programme of theological study (usually Exploring Christianity) and a Formation year, where areas of Leadership, Pastoral ministry and Preaching and Leading worship are developed. The local community is an important part of the formative journey, and the support of local learning groups during this stage is key to individuals growing into the ministers God is calling them to be.

COULD THIS BE YOUR STORY?

“Am I Called to be a Licensed Lay Minister?” is being held on Wednesday the 7th March at 7.30pm at the Diocesan Office, Hillside House. Come along to find out more.

Please register your interest to attend with Rachel Miller: Rachel.miller@bristoldiocese.org

To find out more about Licensed Lay Ministry, please contact: The Advisor for Initial Ministerial Development Wiz Slater:   wiz.slater@bristoldiocese.org