Serving Jesus in the church and community can take many forms. Many acts of ministry faithfully take place week by week without formal recognition.
The Diocese of Sheffield is committed to encouraging, affirming and equipping all God’s people in and for service.
Those who are exploring calling and ministry are encouraged to try out their gifts in a safe and supportive context.
Those who are already serving are affirmed in the ministries that they undertake
All those in ministry should feel equipped to minister with confidence.
At their baptism and confirmation Christians are commissioned to proclaim by word and example the good news of Jesus and to seek and serve Christ in all people. Commissioned Lay Ministers (CLMs) are doing this regularly within their local contexts. Examples of the sort of ministry that a CLM might undertake could include:
- Running a Natter group or dementia café
- Leading a church’s thinking about eco-church
- Preaching or leading worship on an occasional basis
- Organising a toddler group
- Running an Alpha or Start course
- Co-ordinating baptism preparation
- Parish administration
- Serving as a sacristan
- Running Open the Book assemblies
- Co-ordinating an after-school drop in café
- Visiting the vulnerable and housebound, taking home communion.
CLMs are identified at parish and mission area level and given appropriate training by their Oversight Minister or focal ministry team. There are a significant number of helpful online resources in the Focal Ministry section of the diocesan website which can be used for training CLMs.
CLMs are typically commissioned for three years and will receive continued training and feedback in their role.
Anyone wishing to explore CLMs in their church should contact Toby Hole, Director of Mission and Ministry (see contact card above) who can send you guidelines about training CLMs as well as a short commissioning liturgy which may be used in a Sunday service.
