[Ely Announce] Lay Ministry Programme

[Owen Spencer-Thomas]

>From Canon Les Oglesby

Lay Ministry Programme

This September marks the beginning of an important new initiative in the
Diocese of Ely.  It aims to encourage the ministry of the laity in parishes
and mission communities throughout the diocese.   A programme of lay
training has been prepared, which is to run every year, to help equip those
whom God is calling for specific roles in the public ministry of the local
church.  The training will comprise learning and developing specific skills,
acquiring knowledge and aspects of personal formation.  At the end of
training (from September to July) participants may be authorised for their
specific ministry at a special service.  Authorised lay leaders with a
variety of specialities will then become part of an enlarged “ministry team”
serving their parish or mission community.

>From this September the diocese will be able to offer training in 6
important areas of church life, and the number will be expanded in future
years.  The initial courses will be for Administration, Children’s Ministry,
Evangelism, Pastoral Care, Leading Worship, Music Ministry and Youth
Ministry.  And the courses are open to anyone who has the support of their
parish priest and PCC.  The training dates / times / venues will be tailored
as far as possible to suit those interested, including those who may be in
employment, and there are leaflets available [ put in where these are
available locally ] for anyone interested.  The courses naturally involve
considerable time and commitment, but hopefully not so much as to put people
off!  There is no cost to the individual undertaking this training (other
than travel expenses and some resources), and the parish is asked to make a
very modest donation supporting them – so cost should  not  be an issue.

It is hoped that many throughout the diocese will want to take advantage of
this
and so enrich the ministries that we share together through our baptism,
both lay and ordained.  This is not in any way intended to disenfranchise
those who work without such training, or with more locally based training,
but simply to add to the possibilities of developing confidence and
competence in the wide spectrum of ministry.

Is this for me?  It could well be for

*      those who have already been contributing, perhaps for many years.
*      those discerning God’s calling, but not necessarily to the more
established options of lay / ordained ministry hitherto available.
*      those who have not yet any formal active role in the mission and
ministry of the local church.

And then what should I do?
*      Pray.
*      Talk to others in the church family, maybe one of the churchwardens,
and to the Vicar.
*      Obtain more details from the Programme Co-ordinators.
*      Fill in an application form and have a brief interview.


  For us all

            Encourage one another to consider taking up the challenge!

Lord, we offer you our gifts with love and thanksgiving.
Take and use them for the building of your kingdom,
and for your glory.  Amen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Les Oglesby
Director of Ministerail and Adult Learning
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


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