Reader Ministry
Reader Ministry is one among a variety of ministries which together enable the church to fulfil its mission in the world. The distinctive characteristic of Reader Ministry is that it combines an affirmation of lay ministry with a vocation to preach, teach, intercede, distribute the Holy Communion and lead non-eucharistic worship and appropriate parts of the Holy Communion service. Readers also undertake pastoral and educational work in their parishes according to their gifts, local needs and agreement with their vicar or priest-in-charge. They are licensed to officiate at funeral services on completion of designated training from their vicar or priest-in-charge and from the diocese.
Readers can serve as bridges between church and community and between clergy and laity, and they need to be team players if they are to exercise this ministry effectively. Selection and Training for Reader Ministry must do justice to all aspects of Reader ministry. Readers need to be articulate in their preaching and teaching, yet both preaching and teaching should be firmly rooted in their Monday to Saturday lives.
The selection process for Reader training involves:
• local church nomination through the PCC
• diocesan sponsorship through the annual Selection Day, usually a Saturday in early May.
Candidates should be prepared and eager to work together with others, and they should be respected by the wider community.
Readers in training are part of Lindisfarne RTP. See www.lindisfarnertp.org
For further information about selection contact:
Roger Lowans, Reader Recruitment and Selection Coordinator. Telephone: 01434 632 545.
E-mail: roger.lowans@stonehouse.entadsl.com
For further information about training contact:
Revd Dr Michael Beck,Tutor for Reading Training. Telephone 0191 270 4138
E-mail: michaelbeck@lindisfarnertp.org