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Lay Ministry – Readers
Welcome to our page for those discerning the vocation of Lay Ministry, particularly that of a Reader.
This page will give you all of the information that you will need to find out more about Reader Ministry and what you need to do to take your next steps in this vocation.
What is a Reader?
Readers are lay people in the Church of England from all walks of life, theologically trained and licensed by the Church. In church, Reader ministry often involves preaching, teaching small groups and leading worship.
As theologically trained lay people, a Reader’s ministry is also lived out in their day-to-day life of work, family and community involvement. They are episcopally licensed and governed by canon.
Readers do not simply read lessons in church, but are called to a ministry of word which involves a vocation to read the Bible, to read theology, to read the signs of the times and to relate, as lay theologians, one to the other.
How do I Discern?
Before becoming a Reader / Licensed Lay Minister you will take part in a process of discernment. If recommended, you will be training through the Diocese of Lincoln and be given a licence as evidence of your training and ongoing accountability.
Reader training in the Diocese of Lincoln usually consists of a 3 year course of study with St Hild Lincoln to 180 credit certificate level of the Common Awards programme (validated by Durham University) and participation in the reader ministerial pathway.
You will explore topics relating to the Bible, Christian doctrine, worship, spirituality, discipleship, mission, pastoral care and ethics, among others.
Your starting point is to meet with your own vicar, chaplain, or equivalent, to talk with them about your sense of calling. You should also arrange to meet with the Warden of Lay Ministry in your diocese. Contact warden.layministry@lincoln.anglican.org
I am already a Reader – What Next?
When Readers move to another diocese the following procedure should be followed:
A. The Reader notifies the Warden of the move to another diocese, in advance if possible;
B. On arrival in the new diocese, the Reader should contact the incumbent or minister in
charge of the parish where he or she intends to worship regularly;
C. After the Reader has worshipped at the new location for a sufficient period, normally six
months, the incumbent or minister should apply to the Warden of the diocese, in
consultation with the Reader and with the agreement of the PCC to ask that the Reader
be licensed;
D. The Warden of the diocese to which the Reader has moved should contact the Warden
of the diocese which the Reader has left asking if the Reader is in good standing or if
there is any reason why a new licence should not be given.
Contact the Lay Ministry Team
Rev’d Lynne Smith, Warden of Lay Ministry
warden.layministry@lincoln.anglican.org
Kerry Fieldsend, Assistant Warden of Lay Ministry
Administration Officer
Kerry.Fieldsend@lincoln.anglican.org