Lay Leaders of Worship
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FULL DESCRIPTION
Lay Leaders of Worship
The course enables parishes across the Diocese to discern the gifts of lay people as local Lay Leaders of Worship (LLWs) and provides training for them, on completion of which, they receive a letter of permission from the Bishop recognising them as Lay Leaders of Worship in their church/benefice. They are then locally commissioned by the incumbent and prayed for by the church community.
Is this course for me?
We would expect anyone considering the course to be a faithful disciple, someone who listens to God and senses a calling to facilitate others’ worship, and has the confidence, willingness and ability to lead a service (but not to preach) if taught how to do so.
If this is you then the first step is to have a conversation with your vicar. They will help you in your discernment and thinking through your gifts and skills. If you have practical questions or concerns, please contact the Ministry Development Administrator.
Julie Cirillo
Ministry Development Administrator
Administrator to the Ministry Support Team, with a focus on training and wellbeing.
Email:[contact hidden]
Office:[contact hidden]
Working pattern:Full time
Safeguarding requirements
It is a requirement for all LLWs to complete the online Safeguarding courses: Basic Awareness module and Foundations module. The Foundations certificate needs to be renewed every three years. The parish is responsible for ensuring that LLWs keep up to date with safeguarding requirements.
Parishes need to conduct a basic disclosure (DBS check) for those on the LLW course/commissioned as LLWs.
What does the course cover?
The Nature of WorshipThis session explores the nature of worship by looking at some definitions and biblical passages, and considering the role of the worship leader as the one who facilitates others in worship.
AnglicanismThis session looks at the structures of both the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship resources, and principles for how to use them. It considers the shape and cycle of the church year, and use of the Revised Common Lectionary.
Using Other ResourcesThis session covers some criteria for choosing and using music in services, and the use of other resources such as art and silence in intercessions in services. It looks also at appropriate ways to ‘fill the sermon slot’, given that LLWs are not permitted to preach.
Leading worshipThis session considers practicalities in preparing for leading worship, communication skills involved in leading worship, and follow up after services.
**Making worship accessible**We are called to enable all to be able to come to Jesus. It is therefore important that our worship can be welcoming and accessible to any who may attend. This session looks at practicalities in leading and enabling worship that is accessible – both in explicitly All Age Worship and acts of worship more generally.
Leading Worship in Pioneering ContextsThe church is called to reach new people with God’s love. As well as doing this through our existing church communities, this also involves developing new worshipping communities. This can be through adapting a form of church like Messy Church, Youth Church, Café Church, Forest Church etc.; or it can be by engaging with the people and needs of the local community and shaping a worshipping community around them. This session considers important principles and practicalities involved in leading worship in any such pioneering context.
Course dates and application info
If you would like to train as a Lay Leader of Worship, you will need to discuss this first with your incumbent. When you are ready to apply, both yourself and your incumbent will need to complete an online application form.
Note for Incumbents: as Lay Leaders of Worship are authorised to the benefice, not the individual parish, we ask that PCC approval of the applicant is provided from each PCC in the benefice (we can provide appropriate wording, if helpful). If PCC approval hasn’t been sought prior to the application, there is space on the form to provide details of when this will happen, so we can follow this up with you.
Summer course
For current students’ reference only; applications are now closed:
- Wednesday 15 April, 7pm – 9pm *Online*
- Saturday 25 April, 9am – 3pm in person in Stotford near Hitchin
- Wednesday 6 May, 7pm – 9pm *Online*
- Wednesday 3 June, 7pm – 9pm *Online*.
Autumn course
The Autumn term course will run on the following dates (please be aware you must attend all sessions to complete the course):
- Thursday 1 October, 7pm – 9pm *Online*
- Saturday 10 October, 9am – 3pm in person in St Albans
- Thursday 22 October, 7pm – 9pm *Online*
- Thursday 5 November, 7pm – 9pm *Online*.
The deadline for applications is Monday 21 September.
Complete the Autumn term LLW Application here
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Download Selected Documents
| Lay Leader of Worship Resources | Download |
|---|---|
| Lay Leader of Worship Review Form | Download |
| Lay Leader of Worship Handbook | Download |
| Commissioning Liturgy | Download |