Lay ministry
The vision to develop and resource lay ministry within the diocese is a theological and practical response to New Testament teaching about the importance of the gifts that each Christian has to contribute within the body of Christ, the life of the Church and its surrounding community. As part of a wider parish development programme, training resources have been established that seek to encourage and equip those people feeling called to a deeper discipleship and practical expression of Christian service in the areas of worship leading and pastoral visiting (which can form the basis for Lay Eucharistic Ministry in the community). These three lay ministry roles are authorized by the Diocese.
Worship Leader Training
In this 6-session course we explore the importance of worship within the community of the local church
The Sessions (outlined below) are intended to combine theological and practical considerations. They quite consciously draw upon participants’ own experience and faith as they reflect together on the challenges of how to worship meaningfully within the cultural context in which the church finds itself. They are also designed to provide practical experience and training in actually leading worship.
- What’s worship all about?
- reflects on the calling to worship and our experience of what’s entailed
- What’s involved?
- looks at creating a conducive worship environment, reflects on our own experience as worshippers and asks how we can create good opportunities for worship.
- Values of worship
- considers the essential values underpinning worship leading and the necessary qualities of those called to lead
- Getting started
- gets us thinking about the kinds of relationships and practical skills entailed in working with and encouraging one another and leading people to God
- The heart of worship
- explores what’s involved in helping the congregation to develop spiritually and to move ‘deeper’ in worship
- ‘Learning through doing’
- presents opportunities to plan and practice worship services and identifies resources to help.