Readers

What is a Reader?

The ministry of Readers is essentially one of preaching, teaching and leading worship within a pastoral context.

The training which is offered sets out to give each Reader both practical skills for this ministry and also an appropriate theological education as a foundation for their thinking, preaching and teaching. (see below)

Someone who offers themselves for this ministry will feel called by God to use their gifts in a lay ministry.  Their local church will recognise that they have, in general terms, the gifts and the calling to undertake this work. Their incumbent may well be crucial in helping someone to see that this ministry is suitable for them.

In the diocese of Winchester Readers exercise their ministry in many different ways according to their particular gifts, their availability and their experience. Most work in parishes alongside clergy and others to serve the church in that community and to build up the ministry, worship and witness of the whole people of God. Some Readers work in particular sectors such as hospital or prison chaplaincy. Others find that their ministry is primarily focussed in their place of work.
 

What can a Reader do?

A Reader can do many things but the most common are those associated with their calling to be preachers, teachers and leaders of worship.

• Preach at church service
• Lead worship 
• Assist at Holy Communion
• Conduct funerals
• Teach in groups, Sunday school, Bible study and confirmation classes
• Undertake Baptism preparation
• Visit people at home and in hospital – and administer communion to them
• Use gifts of organisation and administration in the church and community
• Explore the meaning of the Gospel for everyday life, at home, at work and in the community
• Work collaboratively and imaginatively with clergy and other colleagues in ministry to build the church
• Identify and encourage the ministry of others

The Selection process

Candidates for Reader ministry are identified initially by the clergy and people of their parish and are invited to contact Revd Julia Mourant, Diocesan Vocations, Recruitment and Selection Officer. Julia runs a series of Vocation Exploration days throughout the year which provide a space for people to explore their vocation and calling, in whichever role they feel God is calling them to. Each Reader candidate completes an application form giving their personal details, an outline of their spiritual journey and an indication of why they feel called to this ministry. Each candidate then comes to a diocesan selection panel for interview. The interviewers are drawn from clergy and Readers.  The Vocations, Recruitment and Selection Officer (VRSO) chairs the panel. The VRSO writes to each candidate and their incumbent telling them of the panel’s conclusions and whether the candidate has been accepted for Reader training. Most Readers minister in the parish which has put them forward, but potential Readers should also be willing, once licensed, to contribute on occasion to the wider ministry of the deanery.

Training

The training programme usually lasts three years. Candidates who have previously done comparable study may be exempted from some parts of the ‘academic’ work. The training cannot be completed in less than two years.

The diocesan programme provides modular training materials and tutors to lead the sessions. However a very important element of the training is what the students learn from each other. Students come from a variety of churches and with a variety of experience in the world and in the church. Learning and sharing with each other is an important foundation for a ministry which requires pastoral sensitivity and a care in responding to the ideas and insights of others.

Much of the practical training takes place in the student’s home parish. This requires a commitment of time and energy from the student, their incumbent and the wider congregation whose encouragement and feedback is vital.

There are agreed national criteria about the aims of initial Reader training.
Initial Reader training should enable candidates to:

• Grow in their Christian life and faith
• Develop their understanding of the Bible and Christian tradition
• Develop their understanding of contemporary issues in society and of current religious experience
• Develop skills to exercise a preaching, teaching, liturgical and pastoral ministry in Church and society
• Develop skills of team building and of working in collaboration with other ministers, both lay and ordained
• Take responsibility for setting their own learning goals and for their own continuing learning
• Facilitate the learning and growth in faith of those to whom and with whom they minister as part of a shared collaborative ministry.

Licensing and beyond

Towards the end of training candidates receive a further nomination from their local church and their incumbent. With this endorsement and having successfully completed the training programme, candidates are admitted and licensed by the Bishop. Admission is to a world-wide ministry. Licensing is specific with regard to the parish and deanery, though by invitation any Reader may undertake work in other places on an occasional basis.

This year's Reader Licensing Service was held at Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 13 October 2012 at 11.00am.

Click here to read about this year's Reader Licensing Service at Winchester Cathedral

Continuing Ministerial Development

After licensing, Readers are encouraged to take up further training opportunities available through the Diocesan CMD programme, as well as other agencies. The programme includes workshops on preaching, biblical study, pastoral training and training for conducting funerals.

In many instances, the study days and residentials offered through the programme are open to Readers and clergy. This is an important aspect of the collaboration between ordained and lay ministers that the Discipleship and Ministry Department seeks to encourage.

For more information on the CMD programme click on this link or email ian.knight@winchester.anglican.org
 

Useful Downloads

Section N3.8 Public Worship with Communion by Extension - download a copy (pdf)

Worship and Teaching Resources

Every licensed Reader is expected to complete a Ministry Specification which they agree with their incumbent, or the person to whom they are accountable for their ministry. This sets out the role and responsibilities of the Reader for the coming year and details such things as the number of times they will preach each month, and which services they will lead. Click here to download the Ministry Specification.

Every licensed Reader is also asked to complete a Reader Duty Card on which he or she lists all the various activities they are involved in as they carry out their ministry. At the end of each year they send the cards back to the Diocesan Office, so that we can collate the replies.  Mike Cranston, a Reader and part of the Reader Tutor team, has produced a fascinating demographic and activity report which helps to inform and shape strategy in planning future Reader ministry.  Click here to download the 2011 report. 

Arranging the deckchairs 15 September 2012

Contacts

The Warden of Readers
The Revd Simon Baker
The Diocesan Office
Old Alresford Place
Alresford
Hampshire SO24 9DH
Email: simon.baker@winchester.anglican.org

The Vocations, Selection and Recruitment Officer
Revd Julia Mourant
The Diocesan Office
Old Alresford Place
Alresford
Hampshire SO24 9DH
Email: julia.mourant@winchester.anglican.org

Administrator for Reader Licensing and for Vocations
Mrs Lesley Grimm
Tel: 01962 737315
Email: lesley.grimm@winchester.anglican.org

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