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, which we value and celebrate. 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. More details here.
- Locally Recognised 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:
Authorised Lay Ministry
Because this is a new type of lay ministry for our diocese, it might be helpful to provide some additional information about what this entails.
Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) are lay people active in church life, who have been identified by their parish as having a particular gifting, vocation or calling to lay ministry. They may be called to work collaboratively alongside their incumbent and wider ministry teams with a distinct focus on growing, nurturing and serving the wider parish community.
ALMs are nominated by their incumbent and PCC for training. This initial discernment, done within parish, continues for the duration of their training on the year-long ALM programme. A completion interview, final reflective assignment, renewed support of their incumbent, PCC and the support of diocesan/ALM programme staff completing their pre-commissioning discernment.
Once this is completed, and subject to recommendation for completion, they are then commissioned by (or on behalf of) the bishop to carry out a mutually agreed ministry role within their local parish/deanery or chaplaincy context. An ALM’s authorisation lasts for three years - after which time it can be reviewed, updated and renewed, subject to the completion of a ministry review, up-to-date safeguarding training, and a current DBS. Find out more here.
Lay Ministry Discipleship Officer
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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