Leading Worship Pathway

‘Christian worship is multi-generational, multi-dimensional, multi-sensory, multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-form, involving different styles reflecting the breadth of the church.

‘Christian worship is deeply rooted in history and for ever new, embracing people in their present and taking them towards God’s future. It is human and divine. It is where God meets us, speaks to us, feeds us and strengthens with the life of Christ and sends us into the world energised by the Spirit.

It is an immense privilege to lead Christian worship. The demands and joys of doing so make any opportunity to discover better how to do it worth grasping with open hands and expectant hearts. The Bishop’s Certificate pathway in Leading Worship is one of those opportunities and I encourage you to take hold of it.’
The Bishop of Coventry

The Bishop’s Certificate in Leading Worship is one of a growing range of training / learning pathways for lay leaders in Anglican churches across the diocese of Coventry.

This pathway carefully embraces the whole breadth of worship styles that make up the Diocese of Coventry. Lay people who are involved in leading worship, of all traditions, are welcome. The focus of the training sessions is on practicalities rather than theologies, helping leaders to do what they do more effectively, rather than questioning why particular things are done.

Bishop’s Certificates in specific aspects of ministry are designed to resource and recognise lay ministers across the diocese.

Each ministry pathway includes theological learning, practical training and shared formation for people who have been formally recommended for training by their incumbent and PCC.

The pathways are circular, and can be joined at any stage. Bishop’s Certificates are awarded when an individual has completed the programme set out by their incumbent and the Director of Ministry.

Bishop’s Certificate pathways are conceived as initial training which takes place alongside the practical experience of Christian ministry.

Learning: To achieve a Bishop’s Certificate, lay ministers need to complete at least three BCDM learning courses that will directly resource their ministry. These are chosen in conversation with their incumbent. Some of these courses can be completed online at any time, others take place in person or on zoom. (See list below.) Where people have already completed BCDM courses, they can be credited to the pathway.

Training: There are five practical training sessions spread around the year, and around the diocese. This cycle can be joined at any point. To achieve a Bishop’s Certificate, lay ministers will need to attend all five. Although the pathway can be completed within a year, it can also be followed over a longer period. Anyone involved in leading worship is welcome to attend individual training events, whether or not they are on the certificate pathway.

Formation: All those recommended for a Bishop’s Certificate are expected to attend a bi-monthly formation group. These will explore broader issues related to being a lay leader. At each meeting, practical objectives will be agreed and reviewed.

Commissioning: Commissioning lay ministers is a valuable way that people’s calling and competence can be recognised and celebrated. Bishop’s Certificates do not automatically lead to, or follow, commissioning. It is for the incumbent to consider – in partnership with the PCC – whether, and at what stage, a lay minister might be formally commissioned.

The Process

The incumbent discerns a call to, and capability for, the ministry of leading worship in conversation with the lay minister and other leaders.

The incumbent seeks affirmation and support for their training & ministry from the PCC.

The incumbent contacts the Director of Ministry & Leadership to agree the detail of the learning/training pathway for that minister.

The lay minister will be sent an Equip Hub link, which will lead them to more information about the pathway.

Active support for the lay minister through the process of learning, training and formation.

On completion of the pathway, a certificate will be issued by the Bishop of Coventry.

Leading Worship Pathway Training Sessions, 2023/4

20^th June, 7pm – Using Place & Space – St Mark’s, Bilton

This session will explore ways in which the physical space in which worship takes place influence’s people’s experience and engagement. As well physical space, we will also consider related factors such as sound, lighting and warmth. Online worship.

Booking link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/courses-events-and-resources/place-space-for-worship/

5^th October, 7pm – Using Worship – Holy Trinity, Attelborough

From formal choirs to worship bands, from congregational singing to recorded music, this session will explore the part that music can play in corporate worship. We will explore the importance of music in human society and consider the practicalities of using music appropriately and well.

Booking link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/courses-events-and-resources/using-worship/

29^th November, 7pm – Using Symbolism – St Nicholas, Alcester

This session will explore a broad range of non-verbal expressions in worship, including posture, movement, visual images, colour and symbolic actions. We will reflect on common non-verbal languages and consider ways to enrich people’s engagement in corporate worship.

Booking link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/courses-events-and-resources/using-symbolism/

February 2024 – Using Liturgy – Venue to be confirmed

This session will explore the use of liturgy, both in its formal Anglican sense and in a broader perspective. We will consider how established liturgies can be a living expression of Christian worship, and explore techniques for developing bespoke liturgies for particular contexts.

Booking link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/courses-events-and-resources/using-liturgy/

April 2024 – Structure & Flexibility – Venue to be confirmed

Flexibility has always been a vital feature of Anglican liturgy and worship, both in the content of services and in the delivery of them. This session will consider variation of pace, use of unscripted interaction, and the importance of worship leaders being sensitive and responsive to those they are leading.

Booking link: https://www.equiphub.org.uk/courses-events-and-resources/structure-flexibility/