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Licensed Lay Ministers are…
Lay people who have been trained to exercise a multi-faceted leadership role that is recognised by the diocese, and transferable across the Church of England. A wide range of ministries can be licensed where the minister is in a position of public leadership, across a variety of activities and responsibilities. In our diocese Readers are the most common form of licensed lay ministry. The main focus of Reader ministry tends to be leading worship and preaching.
*We sometimes use LLM as shorthand for Licensed Lay Ministers
Thinking about licensing?
If you are reflecting on your ministry and would like to explore whether you are called to Licensed Lay Ministry, the first thing to do is have a conversation with your vicar. This is an opportunity to reflect on your ministry and calling with people who see you in you home church and community. If you share a sense that God might be calling you to Licensed Lay ministry then your vicar will recommend you to the Diocesan Vocations Advisor.
There is a process to become licensed which includes both discernment and training.
Discernment
The Discernment Process explores whether God is calling you to serve as a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) and makes a recommendation to the Bishop. You can see a summary of the process in the image above. This process usually takes between 12 and 18 months.
Although many people start their training alongside (or sometimes before) the discernment process, it is important to know that you cannot be licensed without a recommendation from the Bishop.
Training
The training can take 2-3 years, although it is expected that you will be active and developing in your ministry over this time. The key elements of the training are:
- Completing three Pathways – these will be chosen based on your expected ministry.
- Ongoing experience and development within your church context.
- A placement at another church.
- Formation – firstly through the Pathways and then through a specific group after recommendations.
- Assignments and reflective reviews – See below
Assignments and reflective reviews
Those working towards Licensed Lay Ministry are required to complete an assignment for all courses that make up their training. We are looking for a clear understanding of the topic, mature reflection on theological and personal implications, and creative connection to the particular area of practical ministry being explored
Assignments can be submitted as written word, audio/video or a combination of the two, with a shorter written piece accompanying the audio/video. Written assignments should be 1500-2000 words and audio/video assignments should be 5-10 minutes..
Licensing
If you are recommended then you will be licensed once your training is complete. Licensing takes place as part of the ‘Celebration of Lay Ministry’ service that happens in Coventry Cathedral each September.
More information…
Click here to download the LLM (Reader) handbook for more information on the discernment process and training.
Do contact mark.norris@coventry.anglican.org for an informal chat or with any questions.
