Reader Ministry

The ministry of the Church of England depends heavily upon the work of its Readers, but …

What is a Reader?

A Reader is a lay minister whose ministry is authorised by the bishop of the diocese.   Readers, who come from a wide diversity of occupations and backgrounds, exercise an official and crucial leadership role and provide a vital link to the world of work, witnessing to the unchanging love of God in their communities.

In essence, a Reader’s ministry is that of teaching, preaching & conducting worship and assisting with the pastoral ministry of the benefice.    How an individual’s ministry develops is dependent upon his or her individual strengths, the balance of skills within the ministry team and the particular needs of the benefice.

In addition to those areas of ministry identified for Readers in the Canons of the Church of England, Readers are also a focus for lay ministry in general.    They value their ‘lay-ness’ and by their work illustrate that it is not only the ordained that have a ministry - lay people too have a God-given ministry to fulfil.   Readers are enablers and encouragers of other lay Christians helping them to make use of their gifts in the service of the God.

Reader Ministry in our Diocese

In our diocese we have over 200 Readers actively ministering in their benefices each week.    Readers conduct around two and a half thousand services each year and deliver almost four thousand sermons, but that is by no means the full extent of Reader ministry.   Readers lead home groups and confirmation classes; they are involved in baptism preparation and follow-up; they visit and take the sacraments to the sick, elderly and house-bound; they share in the church’s outreach; they lead school assemblies and work with youth groups and music groups; and a number, authorised by the bishop to do so, conduct funerals – there is almost no end to the ways in which Readers put their theological training to good, practical use.

Training for Reader Ministry

The initial training for Reader ministry is thorough and students follow the three-year Norwich Diocesan Ministry course, which is currently accredited as a foundation degree by Anglia Ruskin University.   The Church’s ministry in the twenty-first century is demanding and it is vital that its public ministers have a meaningful prayer life, a sound biblical knowledge, are able to reflect theologically and have appropriate pastoral skills to enable them to serve effectively in their communities.    

But although the training course is challenging, it is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of students many of whom have not studied in earnest for many years, if at all.   The course begins with a week-long summer school, which includes the development of study and IT skills, and the ministry course tutors are all experienced in supporting students with vastly different academic backgrounds.

Support for Readers

The Warden of Readers acts on behalf of the diocesan bishop in all matters relating to Reader ministry.   The Warden is assisted in his work by five area Sub-Wardens who have general oversight of the Readers in their geographical areas, offering guidance through individual conversations and interviews and by facilitating local meetings for mutual support.

A Readers’ training does not end when he or she is admitted to the Office of Reader.    All Readers are expected to continue to develop as Christian ministers: growing in their personal spirituality, continuing to engage with scripture, reflecting theologically upon the issues of the day and developing their pastoral skills.   To this end, Readers are encouraged to pursue a personal programme of ministerial development making use of the two annual central days for Readers (Bishop’s Day and Warden’s Day) and through a variety of appropriate courses, many of which are publicised in the diocesan publication Clergy and Reader Learning.    Grant aid is available to help Readers cover the costs of their continuing ministerial development.

The Warden is supported in the administration and development of Reader ministry by the Diocesan Readers’ Committee, which is made up of the Warden, the Sub-Wardens, the Secretary, Reader area representatives, a Continuing Ministerial Development Officer and a representative of the Training Team.

Is Reader Ministry for you?

Do you think you might be called to Reader ministry?   The diocese has a team of Vocation Advisors whose members are available to anyone wishing to explore his or her vocation, whatever that might turn out to be.    All candidates for Reader ministry must work with a vocation advisor for at least six months before being considered for selection, so if you think Reader ministry might be for you, speak to your parish priest, discuss the possibility with trusted family members and friends and make contact with a vocation advisor.

Selection for Training for Reader Ministry

If, after working with a vocation advisor for some time, you believe that you have a call to Reader ministry, you will be invited to attend a selection day where that call can be tested.   A selection day consists of worship, discussion, individual interview, presentations and written and practical activities, during which a team of experienced selectors will observe you and the other candidates and prayerfully endeavour to discern whether you have a vocation to Reader ministry, whether you need to undertake more work before a decision can be made or whether you should, perhaps, be exploring other avenues of service.   Every effort is made during the day to create a relaxed atmosphere in which candidates can do justice to themselves.   It is important to remember that, if the selectors recommend you, their recommendation is that you should commence training for Reader ministry – the process of discernment continues throughout the period of your training.

Reader Ministry Nationally

Reader ministry is a nationally recognised ministry of the Church of England and the ministry of those admitted to the Office of Reader in one diocese is welcomed upon relocation to another.   In September 2010 Bishop Graham admitted six candidates to the Office of Reader and welcomed two others who had moved from other dioceses.   Nine candidates are expected to be admitted to the Office in September 2011.

The ministry of Readers nationally is overseen by the Central Readers’ Council and more information about Reader ministry can be found on its website. Visit the national Readers website.