Reader
Reader Ministry was re-formed in the Victorian period. At its core it is a ministry of preaching and teaching, though Readers are also licensed to lead worship, though they are not ordained, nor do they preside at Holy Communion. Over and above the preaching and teaching ministry, most Readers also have a wider ministry in the parish, and a part in the spiritual leadership of the parish.
Click here for Resources for Readers.
What do Readers do?
Readers have been described as the ‘Lay Theologians’ of the Church. Their role as a ‘bridge’ between the church and the world gives them a unique ability to interpret the Gospel and to proclaim it in the world. Readers’ traditional duties include preaching, teaching, and leading worship, assisting at the Eucharist, and pastoral work.
In Manchester Diocese Readers are also trained and licensed to conduct funerals. In addition Readers will also be involved in a vast range of other activities – in mission and evangelism, as chaplains in hospitals, prisons and in HE, in schools and youth work.
As leaders of worship, Readers may say Morning and Evening prayer and function as a liturgical deacon at the Eucharist. They may preach regularly and lead other forms of worship e.g. all-age or informal worship, healing services. Their teaching ministry might involve teaching in Sunday school, confirmation classes, parish study groups and preparation classes for baptism or marriage. Their pastoral ministry might see Readers involved in Home Communions, sick visiting, and ministry to the housebound and the bereaved. Readers may also have a special role in ministering by their presence in their places of work and among their colleagues.
How are Readers selected?
Your first enquiry about Reader ministry should be to your parish priest. At this stage, you may also want to speak to one of your archdeaconry chaplains.
In order to progress the enquiry, parish priests should contact the selection secretary at Church House who will provide the application forms and explain the process from thereon. The selection secretary is Revd Jayne Prestwood jprestwood@manchester.anglican.org 0161 828 1456.
Selection days for those offering for Reader ministry will be held at Church House on 13 February 2010 and 5 June 2010.
Click here for Exploring a vocation.
