There are thousands of lay ministers using their gifts in a wide variety of different roles, serving alongside ordained ministers. Youth and children’s ministers, churchwardens, licensed lay ministers, and many chaplains, evangelists, missionaries and pioneers are lay people, who are not ordained.
Lay ministries cover a huge variety of different forms of Christian service and there are a range of lay ministry roles available in different dioceses. Lay ministry falls broadly into three categories: Recognised, Authorised and Licensed.
Licensed Lay Ministry
A Licensed Lay Minister (or Reader) is a voluntary minister authorised by the bishop to teach and preach, conduct worship and assist with the pastoral ministry of a church.
Churchwardens
Selection and appointment, duties, handbook and more.
The office of Churchwarden has a long history, dating back to the thirteenth century, so those undertaking this office are part of a tradition of lay ministry within the Church going back some eight centuries.
Authorised Pastoral Assistant
Authorised Pastoral Assistants are trained and authorised to engage in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church, working as part of a team of clergy and laity.
All Authorised Pastoral Assistants focus on pastoral care, but an individual’s ministry varies according to their gifts and skills, and the local situation.
Authorised Worship Assistant
An Authorised Worship Assistant (AWA) is, within his or her own benefice, able to assist the incumbent with the Ministry of the Word and in conducting worship.
Anna Chaplaincy
The name Anna Chaplain was chosen for its echoes of Anna, the widow and faithful older person who, together with Simeon, recognised the baby Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Holy Communion Assistants
The term Holy Communion Assistants includes those who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at the Eucharist, and those who may take Holy Communion using previously consecrated elements to the sick, housebound, or residential care homes. This role is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Do you feel called to Lay Ministry in Norfolk and Waveney?
If you would like to explore a calling to lay ministry, please do speak to your local vicar, or get in touch with the ministry team at the Diocese. Each year we run a Shared Vocations Space from September to January, which is an opportunity to explore the different routes of ministry with a group of people and the vocations team.