Could you have a ministry as a Diocesan Lay Reader?
Diocesan Readers are people in the Church of Ireland, from all walks of life, who are trained and licensed by the church to preach, teach and lead worship in a voluntary capacity.
If you think that God might be calling you to serve him more fully through a teaching and leadership role within the church, then Diocesan Lay Reader ministry may be for you.
Readers are men or women, old or young, from a wide variety of backgrounds who have a significant role in the ministry of the church. They are authorised by the Bishop to preach, teach and lead services not just in their own parish but in other churches throughout the diocese. As such, Readers can be asked from time to time to support other churches in need of someone to help preach and read services.
As the role of a Diocesan Reader in teaching and leading is significant, potential Readers are given training in theology, ministry and preaching over a two year period before they are commissioned. Readers should also have the conviction that they are called to this role and so should have considered if they:
• Have an active faith in prayer, study and ministry to others.
• Have a consistent involvement in ministry in their local church.
• Have a desire to teach, preach and communicate the faith biblically.
• Are prepared to commit their time and energy to this calling.
• Have the support of others around them in this calling.
I would like to consider becoming a Diocesan Reader. What should I do?
In the first instance you should talk to your rector and he/she will advise you and prayerfully consider whether to recommend you for training. The next step is an informal meeting with the Warden of Readers and then an interview with a Bishop’s Panel in December 2015. They will decide if you should be recommended for training beginning in February 2016.
What will be involved in the training?
The training will involve undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Ministry, day conferences at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and local diocesan preaching and liturgical training.
As academic standards must be met it is helpful that applicants have previous qualifications to A–level standard, however those without formal qualifications may still be accepted. Previous qualifications or courses regarding Biblical knowledge will also help with the application process but are not needed if the applicant can demonstrate adequate Biblical knowledge.
What about the cost?
The cost is usually shared between the diocese, parish and applicant but support can be
offered to applicants with low incomes.
Please contact your rector to explore this further.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 10 Dec 2015.