In this Diocese both lay and ordained ministry are valued equally and each has some qualities in common while maintaining some important differences.
Types of Ministry:
Authorised Pastoral Assistant (APA)
APAs are trained and authorised to engage in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church, working as part of a team of clergy and laity. All APAs focus on pastoral care, but an individual’s ministry varies according to their gifts and skills, and the local situation.
Authorised Worship Assistant (AWA)
Within your local church context, you will be authorised by the Bishop to assist the Incumbent (parish priest) with the Ministry of the Word and in conducting worship.
Leadership Roles
Formerly known as a ‘Reader’, LLMs are recognized as a vital part of local church ministry and are licensed by the Bishop after a period of training to preach, teach and undertake various aspects of pastoral ministry, working alongside an Incumbent (parish priest with overall responsibility). As enablers and encouragers of others they fulfil a leadership role in church and community
Ordained Self-Supporting Minister (SSM)
Someone set aside by the Church to hold the office of a priest whilst continuing to support themselves either through employment, pensions or private means. They are likely to work alongside an Incumbent (parish priest with overall responsibility) but participate fully in the sacramental ministry of the church.
Ordained Stipendiary Minister (SM)
Someone set aside by the Church to hold the office of a priest and whose focus will very often be to hold overall responsibility for the leadership of a parish or benefice. The Ordination service for Priests says: “Priests are ordained to lead God’s people in the offering of praise and the proclamation of the gospel. They share with the Bishop in the oversight of the Church, delighting in its beauty and rejoicing in its well-being. They are to set the example of the Good Shepherd always before them as the pattern of their calling. With the Bishop and their fellow presbyters, they are to sustain the community of the faithful by the ministry of word and sacrament, that we all may grow into the fullness of Christ and be a living sacrifice acceptable to God.”