Lay Ministry – Authorised Lay Ministry

Our authorised lay ministers assist in leading worship and are involved in pastoral visiting and evangelism and mission.

The Diocese of Lincoln has a distinguished history in pioneering and encouraging lay ministry, and is blessed with a large number of authorised lay ministers who serve the church faithfully across greater Lincolnshire.

Originally called ‘local ministers’, they are called and trained to serve the benefice that sponsored them in order to meet local needs. Authorised lay ministers work collaboratively as part of a ministry team in their benefice under the direction of their incumbent. Along with clergy and Readers they are also part of the public ministry of the local church.

Lay ministers in the diocese are authorised for three areas of ministry:

• assisting in leading worship
• pastoral visiting
• evangelism and mission.

Within these three areas there is much variety in both the scope and type of ministry they are involved in. Some lead services by themselves or as part of a team, while others support specific groups of people, such as the elderly or sick, with pastoral visits.

Whatever lay ministers are called to, all are part of the Church’s mission to serve the world and promote the life of faith in everyday life.

Our vision is for every church to be served and equipped by ordained and lay ministers, working together safely to make known the good news of Jesus through their actions and words.