Diocese of Portsmouth
The Church of England

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Lay ministry

Those within our churches are either ordained clergy or lay people. And lay people can offer ministry to their congregations and local communities in a variety of ways. In our diocese, there are three different types of lay ministry:

  • Licensed Lay Ministers: these are people who have received theological training and formation, often for two years. They then receive a licence from the bishop and are able to preach, lead services and offer ministry across our diocese. One type of Licensed Lay Minister is a Reader. Another is a lay pioneer. Discover more about licensed lay ministry here.
  • Authorised Lay Ministers: this is a new type of lay minister, who will be introduced to our diocese in 2027. They will have received one year of theological training and formation, as well as some training in a specialism, such as leading sung worship, preaching, church-planting or work with children and young people. A new training programme for authorised lay ministry will begin in September 2026.
  • Parish-Based Lay Ministers: these are those who have been selected and trained to offer ministry within their own parishes. They will have received some training within their parish in areas such as pastoral support, assisting with work with children and young people, leading a Bible study group, working as an Anna Chaplain with the elderly and so on.

This diagram seeks to explain the differences between the three different styles of lay ministry:

Lay Ministry Discipleship Officer

Rev Matt Grove

The Rev Matt Grove
Responsible for the training, development, and ministry of lay ministers across our diocese, including pioneers, children’s and youth workers, and strategic lead for growing and developing all licensed and other lay ministry pathways.

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