Hilary Richter
Warden of Readers
01227 459401
hrichter@diocant.org

Readers are lay woman and men from a diversity of occupations - teachers, shop or office workers, accountants, machine operators, nurses. They may be found in agriculture, government, industry, or at home.

The Reader's calling

The visible role of a Reader on a Sunday morning may appear to be very similar to that of others who minister.

But they are a distinct ministry because:

• They are theological trained
• They are recognised not only locally but by the wider church
• They can be the focus of lay ministry in the daily life of the church
• They are the bridging role between their fellow lay people and the ordained ministry

What they do

Reader's main duties include:
• Preaching
• Teaching
• Leading worship
• Assisting at Holy Communion
• Pastoral work
• Conducting funerals

Readers are often active in teaching young people and leading discussion groups. They may also be involved in confirmation classes, youth work and baptism and marriage preparation. Their pastoral activity can involve visiting, comforting and generally showing the love and care of the Church for all, whatever their need.
Readers find many informal ways of ministering by their presence, witness and listening at their places of work, at home, among the neighbours and in their local communities.

Training for Readers

Training is within the Local Ministry Training Scheme, part of the Diocesan Board of Ministry and Training. The LMTS trains people to be licensed as Readers alongside those who are preparing for ordination as Ordained Local Ministers (OLMs). The scheme is designed to develop the nine competencies which the Church of England has identified as necessary for those in canonically recognised ministries, whether lay or ordained. These competencies are used in the discernment and selection process: vocation, ministry in the Church of England, spirituality, personality and character, relationships, leadership and collaboration, mission and evangelism, faith and quality of mind.

Students recommended to LMTS by the selection process who started in September '09 will receive a Foundation Degree on successful completion of training with LMTS. The programme of training is moderated by the Ministry Division of the Archbishops' Council. The programme of study is part-time over three years and includes a placement in another parish. Teaching takes place on Wednesday evenings and some Saturdays. In the autumn and spring terms there is a non-residential study weekend and in the spring term a residential weekend retreat.

On satisfactory completion of the training, Readers are admitted to a canonical office and receive a licence to minister from the Bishop of Dover. This takes place at the annual Celebration of Reader Ministry service in the Cathedral.

After admission and licensing, Readers are expected to continue and refresh their ministerial education through opportunities offered by the Diocese and those offered nationally.

Exploring a call to Reader ministry

You are welcome to discuss your sense of vocation with the Vocations Team in the first instance. Please contact Sara Bimson email sbimson@diocant.org or leave a message for her at Diocesan House, phone 01227 459401