Press Release . . .

This September marks the beginning of an important new initiative in the Diocese of Ely. It aims to encourage the ministry of the laity in parishes and mission communities throughout the diocese. A programme of lay training has been prepared, which is to run every year, to help equip those whom God is calling for specific roles in the public ministry of the local church. The training will comprise learning and developing specific skills, acquiring knowledge and aspects of personal formation. At the end of training (from September to July) participants may be authorised for their specific ministry at a special service. Authorised lay leaders with a variety of specialities will then become part of an enlarged “ministry team” serving their parish or mission community.

From this September the diocese will be able to offer training in 6 important areas of church life, and the number will be expanded in future years. The initial courses will be for Administration, Children’s Ministry, Evangelism, Pastoral Care, Leading Worship,Music Ministry and Youth Ministry. And the courses are open to anyone who has the support of their parish priest and PCC. The training dates / times / venues will be tailored as far as possible to suit those interested, including those who may be in employment, and there are leaflets available [ put in where these are available locally ] for anyone interested. The courses naturally involve considerable time and commitment, but hopefully not so much as to put people off! There is no cost to the individual undertaking this training (other than travel expenses and some resources), and the parish is asked to make a very modest donation supporting them – so cost should not be an issue.

It is hoped that many throughout the diocese will want to take advantage of this

and so enrich the ministries that we share together through our baptism, both lay and ordained. This is not in any way intended to disenfranchise those who work without such training, or with more locally based training, but simply to add to the possibilities of developing confidence and competence in the wide spectrum of ministry.

Is this for me? It could well be for…

• those who have already been contributing, perhaps for many years.
• those discerning God’s calling, but not necessarily to the more established options of lay / ordained ministry hitherto available.
• those who have not yet any formal active role in the mission and ministry of the local church.

And then what should I do?

• Pray.
• Talk to others in the church family, maybe one of the churchwardens,
  and to the Vicar.
• Obtain more details from the Programme Co-ordinators.
• Fill in an application form and have a brief interview.

For us all…
Encourage one another to consider taking up the challenge!

Lord, we offer you our gifts with love and thanksgiving.
Take and use them for the building of your kingdom,
and for your glory. Amen.