Readers
last updated on: 31st Mar 2011
Readers are trained and authorised as public lay ministers of the Church...
As they share in the leadership of God's people in mission, Readers are called to lead worship that renews and inspires, to preach God’s word and to teach in ways that deepen discipleship and faith.
There are now more Readers than Clergy engaged in parish ministry. Readers are a major ministry resource for the Church of England alongside the ordained ministers and the other forms of local ministry that are increasingly emerging.
In any one year, the Readers of the Church of England will lead or take part in many thousands of services. They will preach thousands of sermons. But vitally important as their preaching, teaching and liturgical work is, their work extends far beyond church services. Readers can be found running children’s and youth groups; visiting the elderly and the sick, leading school services, taking funerals and generally helping spread the Gospel throughout the diocese.
Readers have a unique place in the life of the church. They, with Church Army Officers, are the only lay-people licensed under Church Law to preach and lead worship. The Reader’s licence sets out the areas of ministry which they are permitted to do, in leading worship, preaching, teaching and a wide variety of pastoral work. Each Reader has a Working Agreement with their Incumbent, setting out their areas of responsibility, the amount of time the Reader has to give, and arrangements for the reimbursement of expenses and for in-service training.
Readers come from every walk of life and men and women are represented more or less in equal numbers. Those admitted as Readers have to be baptised and confirmed members of the Church of England, and regular communicants.
The Reader serves within the team of ministry both in the parish and in the deanery, and brings to the ministry the insights of someone who is actively involved as a Christian in the life of the world.
Reader Ministry in Practice
Reader ministry differs in practice from parish to parish. In rural areas Readers help to provide regular Sunday worship in small and scattered parishes. In the towns, they serve mainly in their own parishes, and help elsewhere when there is need.
Equipped by their training, Readers play a key role in running house groups and Bible study groups. As a person with theological and liturgical training a Reader is able to be a resource to individuals both in the church and the world outside.
More and more Readers exercise a valuable ministry in conducting funerals and caring for the bereaved. Many Readers help with preparing those seeking baptism, confirmation and marriage. Not all Readers are in Parishes: some work as lay chaplains in hospitals and others assist with chaplaincy work in the prison service.
In church, Readers can be distinguished from their ordained colleagues by the distinctive blue scarf which licensed Readers wear.
How do I apply to become a Reader?
If you think God is calling you to Reader ministry, here are some questions to consider and then talk over with your Vicar.
Is God calling you to serve him more fully in ministry?
Is the teaching and preaching ministry of the Reader the particular ministry to which you are called?
Have you the necessary gifts (with training) to carry out this ministry?
What is the pattern of your present discipleship? your daily offering of prayer and Bible study? Your worship and witness within the parish? Your witness as a Christian at work?
Have you talked over the possibility of Reader ministry with your spouse and family? Are they ready to support you?
Is there a ministry for you in your parish? Is your Vicar willing to ask the PCC to agree to your nomination as a candidate?
Eventual admission as a Reader will depend on the successful completion of your academic and practical training.
For a flowchart detailing the process of becomming a Reader, please click here.
Contact:
Revd. Tony E Edmonds
The Rectory,
Presents Lane,
Belton,
Leicestershire
LE12 9UN
T: 01530 223447
t.e.edmonds@btconnect.com
Resources: Reader Ministry Handbook
