As theologically trained and practically experienced people, Readers are a skilled and flexible resource for the Church. They are licensed by the bishop and are accountable to both the bishop and their incumbent (or equivalent) and play a full part in the regular worshipping community of the church in which they are licensed.
Readers are called to teach, preach and enable Christian people to explore and grow in faith in everyday life. They work with fellow ministers in their churches in teaching and preaching, leading worship, mission and often in pastoral work. Readers are recommended to train via a diocesan discernment process. Foundations for Ministry forms the first year of training, followed by two years with Emmanuel Theological College. There is the option to gain a university qualification during training, but this is not compulsory.
Some Readers may also conduct funerals after additional training. Importantly, Reader ministry is nationally recognized and transferable within the Church of England.
In the video below, Jeanette Howe, one of our Bishop’s Advisers for Licensed Lay Ministers, speaks with Bip Choudhury, who is currently training for Reader ministry.
If you'd like to know more about Reader ministry training, please email ministry@chester.anglican.org
The first step for most people exploring Reader ministry or other ways of serving and learning is the Foundations for Ministry course, the first block of which runs over 10 weeks between September and Christmas. Click here for more details:
Foundations for Ministry - Diocese of Chester