LAY READERS

FAQs

What is a Lay Reader anyway?

Lay Readers primarily function as worship leaders who serve their parish or congregation by assisting with and/or conducting services of public worship on a regular basis under the direction of the Incumbent or other member of the clergy who is in charge of the congregation. They may preach and, in the absence of a priest, may conduct an entire Service of the Word (eg. Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, or Compline). They may also be assigned related secondary duties.

For more details see the Licensed Lay Reader ministry position description (page 12) or chapter one of the training manual (pdf files)

I read scripture lessons publically as part of my congregation's Sunday worship service. Am I a Lay Reader?

You are serving as a Lector, rather than as a Lay Reader though you may indeed be both lay (a baptized member of the body of Christ) and a reader. A Lector is a baptized member of the body of Christ who proclaims (publically reads) the Scripture readings of the day as part of a public worship service. You don't need to be licensed to serve in this way, though you would likely benefit from training and practice so that worship of the whole gathered community is enhanced by your public reading of Scripture.

Licensed Lay Readers may also function as Lectors, however, they normally have additional worship responsibilities. They may preach and conduct Services of the Word in the absence of a priest and are often called up to fill in other worship roles as needed.

Why are Lay Readers licensed?

Lay Readers are licensed by the Bishop because of the level of responsibility, commitment and training which this form of baptismal ministry requires. Licensing also enables greater consistency across the Diocese of Ottawa in how licensed Lay Readers function and how they are trained. Licensing increases accountability for this ministry and integrates this role into the life of the church.

How do people get started as Lay Readers in Training?

An application form and a parish endorsement form need to be filled out by the applicant and the Corporation of the parish (or congregation). A police records check is also required as a standard part of the screening process. See question re: police records checks below.

The training program is outlined in a training manual which will be sent in hard copy to those accepted as Lay Readers in Training, but is also available online. This outlines the requirements for the program. The Incumbent or other member of the clergy who is in charge of the congregation signs off the various requirements as the Lay Reader-in-Training completes them.

The Police Services department which processes police records checks is backlogged. I can't get my police records check for several months. What should I do?

Don't wait until your police records check is completed. Send in your application and parish endorsement forms right away. Include a note that your police records check request has been sent in to the appropriate police department and that it will take some time to process. Once you receive your police records check back, send it in.

How does Education for Ministry (EFM) relate to licensed lay reader training in the Diocese of Ottawa?

Education for Ministry is a programme of theological education by extension, for all Christians, which includes individual study and group theological reflection. EFM teaches participants how to think theologically, deepens their faith and understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides them with a new confidence for Christ's service.

Education for Ministry is very helpful preparation for licensed Lay Reader ministry, but it is not a requirement per se. EFM offers excellent preparation or continuing education opportunities in the biblical foundations and Christian ministry and Sharing the Good News areas. However, practical skills like public reading of scripture, preaching and leading worship are also required for licensing and these are not covered in the EFM course. Also, EFM is a four-year program and it is possible to be licensed as Lay Reader in as short a time as one year if the candidate is either already experienced or is able to get all the key requirements done.

Each licensed lay reader is expected to attend or participate in a minimum of two (2) approved workshops, courses or training events within a 5 year period to fulfill the Bishop's requirement for continuing education for those serving in licensed ministries. EFM is an approved course of study in the Diocese of Ottawa and a good way of meeting licensed lay readers' continuing education requirements.

Where can I purchase a blue Lay Readers' scarf or medallion and ribbon?

Blue preaching scarfs in both a longer "male" and shorter "female" size can be purchased through the Church Bookroom in Kingston, ON.

This store also stocks a generic Lay Reader medallion and the blue ribbon (which goes round the neck of the wearer). The medallion needs to be sewn onto the ribbon. Orders can be placed online or toll free by phone through:

The Church Bookroom
90 Johnson St, Kingston, ON, K7L 1X7
(entrance on Wellington St.)
Phone: (613) 544 1013
Toll Free: (866)794 1013

Arrangements can be made for orders to be invoiced to your congregation or parish.

The Church Bookroom is a ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ontario.