The Bishop’s Adviser for Licensed Lay Ministers acts on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop in all matters relating to Licensed Lay Ministry.
The Adviser is assisted in this work by five area Sub-Wardens who have general oversight of the Licensed Lay Ministers in their geographical areas, offering guidance through individual conversations and interviews and by facilitating local meetings for mutual support.
A Licensed Lay Minister’s training does not end when he or she is admitted to the Office of Reader. All Licensed Lay Ministers 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, Licensed Lay Ministers are encouraged to pursue a personal programme of ministerial development making use of the two annual central days for Licensed Lay Ministers (Bishop’s Day and Warden’s Day) and through a variety of appropriate courses, many of which are publicised here. Grant aid is available to help Licensed Lay Ministers cover the costs of their continuing ministerial development.
Licensed Lay Ministers are expected to follow the Code of Ministerial Practice for Reader Ministry which states the clear and consistent guidelines, expected behaviours and standards of good practice for Licensed Lay Ministers and those supporting them in their parish settings across the diocese. The document below also gives details of the disciplinary and grievance processes that are available if problems arise and informal methods of dispute resolution have been unsuccessful.
The Bishop’s Adviser for Licensed Lay Ministry is supported in the administration and development of the ministry by the Licensed Lay Ministers’ committee.