Readers from across the diocese gathered to reaffirm their vows of ministry

Licensed Lay Ministers

Licensed Lay Ministers, are lay people, who are called by God, trained and licensed by the Church, to offer ministry. Among them are the following different types of lay ministers:

  • Readers, who receive theological training, and are able to preach, teach, lead worship and assist in pastoral, evangelistic and liturgical work.
  • Lay pioneers, who are appointed to specific pioneering roles, helping churches to create spaces where people can engage with a church community in less traditional ways.
  • Children, family and youth workers, who offer ministry to those who are under 18 and their families, who are part of our church's congregation or the wider community. Read more about their roles, and discover resources here.
Three Readers were licensed in our cathedral in June 2025
Three Readers were licensed in our cathedral in June 2025

Three new Readers licensed this year

This year, three new Readers were licensed at our cathedral on June 21st:

  • Sue Craft (to serve at Holy Trinity Fareham)
  • Sam Piggot (to serve at St Cuthbert’s, Copnor)
  • Carolyn Shannon (to serve at Leigh Park and Warren Park)

Details of that service can be found here.

Click below for:

visit the Central Readers’ Council website

Lay Ministry Discipleship Officer

Rev Matt Grove

Rev Matt Grove
Responsible for the training, development, and ministry of Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) 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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