Releasing the gifts of all in Bath and Wells will become a lot easier thanks to the introduction today (18 January 2024) of the lay ministry pathway, a more flexible and adaptable approach for those training in different lay ministries, such as Lay Worship Assistant (LWA) and Lay Pastoral Assistant (LPA).
While the new approach still values the traditional training course approach, the lay ministry pathway also offers apprenticeship-style learning and equipping. It also recognises that people start their journey to ministry with different life experiences and skills and therefore allows them to start their training at a level appropriate to them.
Ronnie Crossman, diocesan Ministry Training Team Leader, says, “We all have different gifts and by offering a more flexible approach to lay ministry training we hope we have broken down some barriers and offer a clear way for people to be equipped fully to the role they are called to. That they are commended and commissioned into that ministry and supported as they live it out, alongside their incumbent.
“From the working mum looking for a flexible way to learn, to those who may not thrive in a classroom setting, this new approach has something to suit everyone called to lay ministry. If you’ve ever thought ‘I wonder if I could train to be a lay minister?’ by breaking down these barriers I hope the answer will now, more often than not, be ‘Yes!’”
We are running a number of taster sessions when you can join us to hear more about lay ministry pathways. We are running both morning and afternoon sessions at Flourish House (8 February and 7 March), or an evening session on Zoom (27 February). Visit the lay ministry pathway page to find out more and register to attend.
The lay ministries pathway resources include a foundation course for all ministries. Other courses cover the core gifts and skills for particular ministries.
Alongside the changes to lay ministry training, there will be ongoing training for clergy seeking to support those in lay ministry. In Bath and Wells the aim is for every benefice to have a flourishing shared local ministry, with lay and ordained working together to build up the body of Christ in the local church and to lead the church in mission.
Training will be offered in a range of settings including centrally by the diocesan training team, but materials will also be available for local delivery. Thanks to an external charity grant, online course materials are being developed which will also allow the course to be delivered online, facilitated by the diocesan training team.
Several parishes have worked with the ministry training team to assist in the development of the new lay ministry pathway resource.Kelton Black, member of East Huntspill Church, who piloted the lay ministry pathway says, “The ministry we have had before was quite different and we’ve come to learn the way the Church of England does things. Revd Chris was able to come alongside us, discuss where we are at and define what way we needed through this way. It has been a time of ticking off what we already know and then finding the things we need to add to it.
“I would say to anyone who has some sense of wanting to serve is ‘please be confident’. The church of England has a real openness to see the gifts of those in the fellowship used.”
Next steps
Find out more about the lay ministry pathway.
Find out more about shared local ministry
Contact the training team email:training@bathwells.anglican.org