Licensed Lay Ministry Program
Introduction
Lay people are called in the Book of Common Prayer to “take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church” (p. 855). Baptism into the Covenant Community of Jesus Christ is the primary prerequisite for any ministry in the Church, and the Book of Common Prayer defines four orders of ministers: lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.
All ministry is relational and the call to licensed lay ministries begins with a relationship with local parish leaders, either clergy or lay. This starting point recognizes simply that the work of Jesus Christ is done in community and the call to a particular ministry is ultimately the call of the church to individuals asking them to share their gifts. In most cases, the Rector of the parish will oversee the formation of lay leaders as they take on these licensed ministries.
Certain ministries are required to be licensed to provide standardization and accountability within the church. Those who have leadership positions are part of the community and subject to its direction. Ones so licensed act under the authority of the rubrics the Book of Common Prayer and within the faith and tradition of the Episcopal Church (paraphrase National COM handbook). Standardization fosters accountability to one another and commitment to our common mission.
The Canons of the Episcopal Church specify seven licensed lay ministries (click on titles below to access forms and application process):
- Eucharistic Minister: A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the chalice at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist.
- Eucharistic Visitor: A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration.
- Catechist: A Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.
- Preacher:A Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach.
- Worship Leader: A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship.
- Pastoral Leader: A pastoral leader is a lay person authorized to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop.
- Evangelist: An Evangelist inspires, encourages, and equips church members to be effective witnesses to the Good News in Jesus Christ.
Discerning a call
The Church believes that all baptized person are called to share in the ministry and mission of the Church. People discern and respond to calls from God in myriad ways—there is no formula or set process. In some cases, persons will indicate to the Rector* the desire to serve in a particular ministry or share a sense of calling. In other cases, clergy will seek out and recruit Lay Ministers.
“In all service, the entire Christian assembly participates in such a way that the members of each order within the Church, lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons, fulfill the functions proper to their respective orders, as set forth in the rubrical directions for each service” (BCP, p. 13).
Preparation and Training
Through whatever journey or process church members are identified for service in these licensed ministries, those accepting a call will undertake a course of preparation for Licensed Lay Ministry. The outlines for these courses assure standards and consistency across the Diocese and enable some flexibility for congregations to engage this process in their local context. For the Pastoral Leader, the Commission on Mission Strategy will oversee the training and structure for these ministries. For the other licensed ministries, the Rector is responsible for evaluating, training, and certifying that qualifications have been met.
Click here to downlaod the Bibliography for the Licensed Lay Ministries program.
Continuing Education
According to the Canons, those engaged in these licensed ministries need to participate in continuing education opportunities. In applying for license renewals, Rectors will be asked whether or not an individual has done any continuing education. Continuing education may include reading additional materials in the Licensed Lay Ministries bibliography, or other reading and discussion directed by the Rector.
Commissioning, Licensing, and Terms
After all the training requirements have been met, the Rector will submit required forms to the Office of the Bishop. The Office of the Bishop will then issue the appropriate licenses.
Licenses are valid for a period of three years, and they are valid only within a particular congregation.
