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Commissioned Lay Ministry

LPAs are trained and authorised to engage in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church

Lay Pastoral Assistants (LPAs)

LPAs 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.

They may work with children and young people, the sick, the recently bereaved and the elderly and housebound. They may take communion to those unable to come to church. Many benefices have teams of LPAs, some of whom specialise in a particular area.

All LPAs focus on pastoral care, but an individual’s ministry varies according to their gifts and skills, and the local situation.

In all cases the ministry calls for a loving and compassionate heart, and a willingness to listen and support those in need.

Notify the diocese you intend to run a course

  • Suggestions and Support for running a Pastoral Skills Course

    PDF 248 KB

  • Pastoral Skills Handbook

    PDF 910 KB

  • Pastoral Skills Course Taster session

    PDF 419 KB

  • Could I be a Lay Pastoral Assistant?

    PDF 2.7 MB

  • Pastoral Skills Handbook

    PDF 910 KB

  • Declaration prior to commissioning

    DOCX 84 KB

  • Sample job description

    DOCX 51 KB

Lay Worship Leaders (LWLs)

Lay Worship Leaders assist with planning and leading worship in the parishes where they live. Like LPAs, they are chosen by their incumbent and PCC and minister under the direction of their incumbent. They play a vital role in parishes across the diocese by leading a wide variety of worship from BCP Morning Prayer to Fresh Expressions and Messy Church.

Notify the diocese you intend to run a course

  • Suggestions and Support for running an LWL Course

    PDF 248 KB

  • Leading Worship Course

    PDF 9.6 MB

  • LWL Taster Session

    PDF 591 KB

Commissioned Lay Pioneers (CLPs)

Resourcing, encouraging and providing training for new forms of church, Salisbury Diocese has partnered with the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Church Mission Society to offer a CMS certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission with a pioneer focus.

To find out more, visit the Pioneers page.

  • CMS course in Pioneer Mission

    PDF 4.1 MB

Anna Chaplaincy

An Anna Chaplain offers a ministry of spiritual care for older people of all faiths cultures, spiritualities and contexts, and their families and carers. Anna Chaplains work with people living independently in their own homes, in care homes and sheltered housing complexes, as well as promoting the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community.  

To read more click here.