What is Reader Ministry?
Readers are lay people licensed to a ministry recognised across the whole Church of England. Nationally, their ministry is characterised by three strands: preaching and teaching, enabling mission and exercising leadership. They are theologically trained lay people who provide a skilled resource for the church.
Reader Ministry as a whole in this Diocese is under the care of the Bishop's Advisers for Licensed Lay Ministers, who work within the Ministry Team to support Reader ministry. Readers, like clergy, are expected to become life-long learners, continuing to study after licensing.
If you would like to talk to someone informally about vocation please complete the Vocational Conversation - Initial Enquiry Form and then send it to jane.gerrard@chester.anglican.org who will then arrange the initial contact with a Deanery Vocations Listener.
For more specific information on the Reader Training course you can contact:
Jeanette Howe jeanette.howe@chester.anglican.org 07549 214283
Karen MacMillan karen.macmillan@chester.anglican.org 07549 214284
Links
Reader Training in the Diocese of Chester
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) In-Service Training Grants
Safer Pastoral Practice Guidelines and Resources
Reader Transfers
Please note that the Reader Transfer Form must be returned by the end of July in the year the transfer is taking place. If you have any queries please contact simon.chesters@chester.anglican.org
Readers PTO or Emeritus
Readers who reach the age of 75 will need to decide whether to apply for the Bishop's Permission to Officiate, or to take up the honourary title of Reader Emeritus. For more information please contact jane.gerrard@chester.anglican.org.
Who’s Who
If you have any enquiries about Reader Ministry, the people below would be happy to help.
Bishop's Advisers for Licensed Lay Ministers
Jeanette Howe jeanette.howe@chester.anglican.org 07549 214283
Karen MacMillan karen.macmillan@chester.anglican.org 07549 214284
Jane Gerrard is based at Church House and oversees the administration of the community of Licensed Lay Ministers. Tel: 01928 643426 Email: jane.gerrard@chester.anglican.org