Lay Ministry

God calls every baptised Christian into ministry, and equips them to work together with others as the Body of Christ. This is about much more than their involvement within and around the church buildings or activities. It’s about what they do and what they are as Christians, seven days a week.  

A licensed and trained minister works to equip laypeople – the people of God  - to be the church out in the world, living for Christ.

Lay Ministry therefore covers a huge range of roles and activities, some of which need specialist training and authorisation through a licence or commission from the Bishop. In this section you’ll find links to explore more about those particular roles, the training that is available and who to contact if you feel God might be calling you.

Licenced Lay Ministers (also known as Readers) are licensed by the Bishop for a preaching and teaching ministry in the parishes where they live or work.

Lay Pastoral Assistants are trained and authorised to engage in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church, working as part of a team of clergy and laity.

Lay Worship Leaders are commissioned to assist in planning and leading worship in the parishes where they live.

Commissioned Lay Pioneers are trained and authorised to gather people into new expressions of Christian Community. They have a sense of calling to mission outside the regular church structures.

Anna Chaplains focus on ministry amongst older people, with specialist training and support from BRF ministries.

See our suite of leaflets with more information about our ministries: Licensed Lay Ministers, Lay Pastoral Assistants, Lay Worship Leaders, Anna Chaplains.