LICENSED LAY MINISTRY

Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in the Diocese of Ely are a valued ministerial resource. LLMs were previously known as Readers. They are theologically trained lay members of their communities. Their range of ministry varies enormously, depending on their availability, experience, gifting and personal circumstances. They aim to serve the needs of their church and local community, primarily through a ministry of preaching and teaching.

THE ROLE OF LLMs

The parochial role of LLMs includes leading worship, preaching, funeral ministry, teaching and pastoral care. They are authorised to minister Communion by Extension, within a permission granted by the Bishop. Some LLMs their ministry is also exercised at work, or in hospitals, schools, prisons and other institutions.

LLMs are encouraged to be full members of their Local Ministry Team, and to work collaborating with ordained colleagues and the entire congregation, as envisaged in the ministry strategy report All Good Gifts Around Us.

LLMs are licensed by the Bishop every three years, until they reach the age of 70. Thereafter they may receive ‘Permission to Officiate’, which is renewed annually. When people feel they are no longer able to meet the demands of public ministry, they receive the title ‘Reader Emeritus’.

THE SELECTION AND TRAINING OF LLMs

Those considering Licensed Lay Ministry should first discuss the issue with their Parish Priest. Then they should seek a consultation with a Vocations Adviser (see the Diocesan Directory for details). It is necessary to have the full support of the Incumbent and PCC before making a formal application. Applicants are invited to attend a Selection Conference. There are two such Conferences annually, held in Ely.

Those selected for training follow a course which integrates practical experience, reflection and study. Topics covered include Biblical Foundations, Christian Ethics, Church History, Doctrine, Worship Leading, Liturgy, Preaching, Mission and Ministry in Community and a practical placement.

Students work in groups with a tutor who specialises in one area of study. Fuller details of the training are available in the ‘From Selection to Licensing’ document which can be downloaded at http://www.ely.anglican.org/ministry/adult_learning/pdfs/Selection-to-Licensing.pdf

On satisfactory completion of training, LLMs are awarded the Church of England Readers’ Certificate. They are admitted and licensed by the Bishop at an annual LLMs’ Licensing Service. At this service they make the declaration of faith, take their oath of obedience to the Bishop, and receive authorisation for their ministry.