“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:24
Commissioned Lay Ministers for Worship play a vital part in the worshipping life of our churches and communities.
They help lead services such as morning and evening prayer, alternative non-Eucharistic worship, and assist clergy in leading Eucharistic celebrations. By doing so, they bring variety, flexibility, and a regular rhythm of worship to congregations across the diocese.
Could you be called to this ministry?
Serving under guidance
Each Commissioned Lay Minister (CLM) for Worship carries out their role with the support and guidance of their Incumbent (Vicar or Priest-in-Charge). This relationship provides both theological grounding and practical encouragement, helping the Lay Minister grow in confidence and use their gifts to serve others in worship.
Strengthening local worship
Commissioned Lay Ministers for Worship are helping to make worship more accessible and sustainable in local churches. Their ministry increases the number and range of services that can be offered – ensuring people can continue to gather and worship in their own communities.
Exploring the call
Becoming a Commissioned Lay Minister for Worship often begins with a personal sense of calling to serve and support the worshipping life of your church. It is an opportunity to deepen one’s own faith, lead worship, and help make worship more accessible. With training and support, Commissioned Lay Ministers for Worship grow in confidence and share in ministry with others, becoming a vital part of God’s ministry through the local church.
And just as a reminder
Training for Lay Ministry Worship is a part of the Lay Ministry Pathways which are a flexible and responsive approach to equipping people called to Lay Ministry. Instead of asking the question “What resource shall I do?”, it begins with a question of calling:
- “What is God calling me to do, and what do I need to be equipped for it?”
- “What is God calling you to do, and how can we support and equip you?”
Called to this ministry?
You may feel called to this ministry if you are:
- Prayerful and grounded in your faith
- Focused on God and committed to serving others in worship
- Willing to prepare thoroughly for leading worship, including regular study of the bible
- Comfortable speaking in front of others without seeking to be the centre of attention
- Clear and audible when leading
- Genuine and authentic in your faith and presentation
- Committed to ongoing support for your ministry
- Open to learning how to use relevant technology
People from many different backgrounds and walks of life are called by God to serve as Commissioned Lay Ministers for Worship. This is a voluntary, part-time ministry. While it requires a regular commitment of time, the role is designed to be flexible to fit around your individual circumstances.
As this is a ministry on behalf of the Church, you will serve under the guidance of your Incumbent and with agreement of your PCC. This may mean becoming familiar with styles of worship that feel different from your own, but which serve and enrich your worshipping community. You will be safely recruited following safeguarding guidelines.
Who to contact
Working out a calling is about listening attentively to God and reflecting with others.
If what you have read is making sense for you – and you are feeling nudged towards this ministry – then have a conversation with your Incumbent: you may find they are already thinking about how people can get involved. We want Commissioned Lay Ministers to feel properly equipped for this significant role.
Your incumbent will need to contact the Training team for information and resources.