This may be the ministry for you to explore if you are:
- Good at listening
- Easy to talk to
- Good at not judging others
- Prayerful
- Compassionate
- A team player
All sorts of people from all backgrounds and walks of life are called by God to be Lay Pastoral Assistants (LPAs). It is a voluntary role and is usually part-time. LPAs are expected to commit regular time to the role, but it is flexible and fluid to suit an individual’s circumstances.
This is a ministry on behalf of the Church and so you will need to be willing and able to visit all members of the community rather than just those who might form part of your own networks.
How can I become a Lay Pastoral Assistant?
Working out your calling is about listening attentively to God and reflecting with others. If you feel called to this ministry, talk to your local church leaders. We want LPAs to feel properly equipped for this important role, so the first step, if you have not had any other training, is to take the Exploring Pastoral Care training. The course is run at a Deanery level, so your incumbent will need to email the training@bathwells.anglican.org for further information and materials.
Not everyone who does the course will decide to go on to become an LPA. The training is worthwhile even if you don’t do visiting on behalf of the Church. However, if at the end you, your facilitators and your incumbent agree that the ministry is correct for you then you can apply to become an LPA. Safeguarding training will need to follow and you will require a DBS safeguarding check. Finally, you and your minister will create a ministry specification and complete the application form which you submit to the Ministry Training Team Administrator (see below). You will then receive a commendation from the Bishop for the role which lasts three years or until you change church or a new incumbent is appointed. At that stage you will need to agree together whether the ministry will continue in the new circumstances.
More details are in the leaflet and detailed booklet below. For application forms please contact Charmain Gilmour. Email her at training@bathwells.anglican.org. For LPA resources, visit the LPA resources page.
Who to contact
Charmain Gilmour, Ministry Training Team Administrator