Readers are lay people who are called to a ministry of preaching, teaching, leading worship and mission. There is a process of discernment and selection, after which Readers undertake theological training before being licensed. A Reader's licence is recognised nationally, should they move they can be licensed in their new parish or diocese.
Each year, in Bath and Wells, Readers come together for Readers Day. Undertaking training in the morning, followed by a Readers’ Service at Wells Cathedral at which all Readers affirm their commitment to serve God through their ministry. During the service, newly trained Readers and those transferring from other diocese are welcomed. This year more than 100 Readers gathered in Wells.
Throughout Advent and Christmas, Readers across the diocese will lead worship, preach and take part in carol and nativity services as together we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Some of those who serve as Readers in the Diocese of Bath and Wells have shared their journey of faith, explaining why they chose to become a Reader.
Chris Stock
Warden of Readers for Wells Archdeaconry
Chris Stock grew up in a Christian family, with faith as a constant in his life, but it wasn’t until he took early retirement that he became deeply involved in church life. After moving to a new home in Salisbury diocese, directly opposite the village church, he felt an immediate pull to get involved. Within four months, he was appointed churchwarden, sensing a calling but unsure of its nature.
The desire to explore his faith led Chris to enrol on an Exploring Christianity course, which he credits with opening his mind to God’s calling. “It reawakened everything I had been thinking about. I realised I needed to do something with this, and that’s when I decided to put myself forward to become a licensed Reader (or Licensed Lay Minister as they are called in Salisbury Diocese).
“For me it is the fact it is a licenced ministry, it is lay, so it is very much one of the people and it's a clear ministry promoting the gospel; and it's those three tenants which are important to me.”
Throughout his journey, Chris felt guided by God, confident that his path would unfold in due time. Although he briefly considered ordained ministry, he ultimately found his calling in lay ministry. “Reader ministry is unique, and that uniqueness is what attracted me. It feels like where I belong – among the people, promoting the Gospel.”
Despite the training and study required to become a Reader, Chris embraced the challenge, enjoying the opportunity to deepen his understanding as he began his ministry.
He remembers one of the interview panel on his Selection Conference pointedly asking him what he thought he would be doing once training was over and he was licensed. He remembers his response very clearly, effectively that he had no idea, but that he had every confidence God would guide him nearer the time.
Chris became Deanery Warden of Readers (for Ivelchester Deanery) in September 2014, which meant he joined Readers’ Council. He was appointed Archdeaconry Warden for Wells in November 2022. Chris says he finds this "a remarkable and very blessed role". It is one which which allows him to help and guide those who feel called to licensed ministry. He also maintains an oversight of all Readers in the Archdeaconry, and provides pastoral care for Readers within his geographical area.
Chris also has become involved with funeral ministry, supporting those in their final days and working with the bereaved is something he feels very called to do. "God’s love and support is there for all to take comfort from, while the families deserve the compassion and care that only the church can provide."
Chris says he feels the joy of being able to be a Reader, to serve both God and the local community is remarkable. While his calling has gone in certain directions, the number of opportunities for Readers to exercise the ministry that best suits them, and to which God is calling them, are far too numerous to list. He feels truly blessed in in being able to what he can.
Judith Brooks
For nearly forty years, Judith has been a dedicated member of her local church, serving in various roles, including on the PCC, leading music, and as a churchwarden. However, what has always held a special place in her heart is the ministry side of church life.
After the death of her husband and her retirement from a long career as a GP, Judith felt a calling to deepen her understanding of the Bible and theology. She embarked on a journey of study, completing two years of a graduate diploma – a time she describes as ‘life giving.’
“I wanted to understand more deeply what we believe and why, as well as learn about the early church and the church through the ages. It was a truly transformational experience, so much so that I stayed on to do more study at the MA level.”
Judith’s deeper involvement in ministry came when her church entered a period of vacancy. She found herself leading services more often, and acting as the main point of contact for the Benefice, which led to a conversation with the Area Dean. This conversation sparked the idea that Judith might be suited for Reader ministry – a role that she hadn’t previously considered seriously.
That’s what really set the ball rolling. I hadn’t imagined I’d go forward to be equipped for a more official role within the church, having already had my medical career, but it truly felt like God was leading me in that direction.” Now, as a Reader in training, Judith says, “I really enjoy preparing talks, it energises me. I love being involved in mission and helping to deepen people’s faith. Last year I had the privilege of preparing a candidate for confirmation and presenting her at the cathedral, which was a wonderful experience. I also lead a Home Group, which I thoroughly enjoy."
For those considering Reader Ministry, Judith offers encouragement, “I didn’t realise how broad the ministry is, and I would encourage anyone who is curious to find out more.”
Judith’s journey is a testament to the ways in which God’s calling can shape our lives, often in unexpected ways.
Phil Gray
When Phil, who is a Reader at Holy Trinity, Frome, first felt God calling him to ministry, he wondered if ordination might be the right path. However, it soon became clear that the ‘nudge’ God was giving him was leading him in a different direction.
“When you get this nudge, you know you should be doing something and you know you're not. I was treasurer at my church, and I thought. ‘Oh, that’s what I’ll do. That's serving the Lord.’ But there was a desire really to serve more. There wasn't a moment of inspiration, it just grew gradually, this feeling that I need to serve the Lord more.”
This, call to ministry came later in life for Phil. Though raised in a Christian family, he drifted away from the church at 16. He pursued a successful career, but at 50, after suffering a stroke, he began searching for a deeper meaning. Initially he resisted looking to God for answers, but one day, he found himself talking to Him.
“I said you keep me alive until January. I'll go to church. I think it must have taken about 18 months. I would argue with. God. I really had big rows with him because I wanted him to fit in the little box that I wanted to keep him in. Because he wouldn't fit in the box I said. ‘All right, Lord, you win, I surrender’ and that was the beginning of my journey.”
Phil knew being a Reader was the right path. “You know, if it's the right thing. You really do. You might want to deny it or to pretend, to kid yourself that it's not the right thing. But if it is the right thing, you know it is and you can find all the excuses for not doing it. But you know, if it’s right.”
One of the aspects Phil enjoys most about being a Reader is preaching, and the time it gives him to be with God. “I get far more out of the preparation than I do out the delivery because you have to sit with the scripture and sit with the Lord and say what do you want me to say and it takes you into scripture in such a deep way. It encourages me to really spend the time with the Lord and with his word. I get so much from that.”