As Lights for Christ in the world we believe that all God’s people have a call to service whether that is in their church, their workplace, their school or home.
Sometimes this service may take the form of a recognised ministry acknowledged by ordination or licensing. More often acts of ministry will be more informal but no less valuable. They may go relatively unnoticed but are vital in the growth of God’s Kingdom amongst us.
In the Diocese of Sheffield we affirm all kinds of lay ministries. As a result of our Lay Ministry Review, we have identified three kinds of lay ministry authorisation which we have displayed visually in the form of a lay ministry triangle.
Nationally Licensed lay ministries are ministries which receive the Bishop’s licence. They include Readers and Church Army evangelists. The licences are portable across the Church of England and involves training that involves academic work and practical experience over two to three years. Training takes place through our partner organisations St Hild theological college and Church Army.
Authorised (by the Diocese) lay ministries are ministries that are authorised by the bishop (but not necessarily licensed) and celebrated at our annual Celebration of Lay Ministries. They include Parish Evangelists, Spiritual Accompaniers, Children, Youth and Family’s Workers and Focal Ministers. They are trained by members of the diocesan Resourcing Mission and Ministry team and are authorised to minister at mission area level and across the diocese.
Locally Commissioned lay ministries are those many ministries that take place across our diocese. These are ministries for which it may not always be appropriate to undergo extensive training or diocesan authorisation. Commissioned Lay Ministers are trained locally by the Oversight Minister or ministry team, perhaps using diocesan online resources – and are commissioned for ministry in a local service.
Lay Ministry Good Practice Guide
Useful, contacts and documents, general principles, discernment and selection process and expectations.
The different forms of lay ministry in our Diocese
Licenced Ministries
Reader Ministry
Readers have a particular ministry of word and worship in the Diocese; the are lay theologians who lead worship and preach in our churches. Their ministry may extend to enabling mission in the everyday and leading in church and society.
Church Army Evangelist
Church Army Evangelists are involved with pioneering new forms of church and reaching those on the margins of society with the good news of Jesus.
Authorised Ministries
Children & Youth Ministry
Both Children’s and Youth Ministers are trained and equipped to work with children and youth in their churches and communities. They may be involved in Sunday children’s work, midweek activities, school’s work and more.
Focal Ministry
Focal Ministers are embedded leaders in their congregations and communities, they are the go-to person who is visible and present at church events. They facilitate gatherings and they raise up and enable everyone to be involved in ministry and mission.
Lay Parish Evangelists
Parish Evangelists share God’s love and communicate the gospel through words and action with those who are not yet part of the church.
Commissioned Ministries
Commissioned Lay Ministries
People serving in the local church can be commissioned by their Oversight Minister. This ministry can take a variety of different forms.
Affirmed Ministries
Spiritual Accompaniment
Accompaniers listen and support. They ask questions to help someone reflect on their experiences and beliefs. With an accompanier, a person can come to a deeper understanding of their relationship to God.
Events
EXPLORE MORE
Information about the ministry of spiritual accompaniment and two courses we offer
We have a passion to help Christians see that God’s calling is part of their normal life
Information on grants and funding specifically for learning, retreats and sabbaticals funded by the Diocese and many other third-party agencies