Last Monday at the Coffee and Conversation Chat we had a frivolous ten minutes coming up with possible straplines for those considering reader ministry….. I wonder if you have one to add?
- Want some high adrenalin adventure…..? become a reader
- Feel called to feed sheep? Be a Reader
- Reader ministry reaches the parts that others don’t
- Probably the best preaching in the World
- Reader Ministry – Just do it
- Reader Ministry because you’re worth it…..
- Cornish Reader ministry- not jam tomorrow – Jam first
- Reader ministry – have it your way…
- Reader ministry – is it in you?
- Reader Ministry- we go the extra mile.
- Reader Ministry now appearing in pulpits everywhere
- Reader ministry – it gives you wings,,
- Reader Ministry- Any time anywhere
- Reader ministry- we can pass the buck
- You don’t have to be crazy to be a reader but it helps…
- Keep Calm and carry on …… preaching
- Become a Reader- your country needs you
- Reader ministry- work rest and pray.
I am looking to hearing more from Bishop Hugh at the Readers Day tomorrow and from other readers about what they think their role is in succinct, easy to understand terminology. Below are four definitions offered to the current working party which will be presenting its report very soon. David Fieldsend will be sharing more information about it at Readers Day.
- Community (or lay) theologians who enable everyday faith.
- Licensed Lay Minister is a key role (?) embedded in the local church and community. Teaching the gospel in word and action, in work and in play
- A multifaceted role grown from the gifts of the individual.
- A wide-ranging ministry, from Bible-Studies and House Group leadership to mentoring worship leaders and taking funerals backed by accredited theological training enabling the Reader/LLM to bring the gospel to the people.
- A Reader is a Lay Minister working under episcopal license and in agreement with their incumbent, theologically trained and qualified to preach, teach, lead church services and interpret the Christian faith to other lay people from a position of understanding of secular life and to offer pastoral care in the name of the church to all sorts and conditions of people in sickness and in health, in dying and bereavement. They are also to assist in mobilising fellow laity for mission and helping to build discipleship