A New Liturgical Ministry
Posted: 29 August 2006, 17:13
The following article was first published in the Autumn 2006 edition of the Diocesan Magazine Grapevine.
The Bishop, John Mantle, hopes to personally authorise a new form of lay ministry in the Diocese. Here he answers some questions on the subject:
What will these new ministers actually be?
As the name suggests, they will be laity who will be authorised by me to assist at the liturgy in a more comprehensive way than those who presently administer communion; rather like the Lay Readers in fact.
Then why not just create more Lay Readers?
The normal training for Readers is two years of the TISEC course. I belive that there are a number of men and women in our congregations who would come forward if the training didn't take quite so long. Apart from this, unlike Readers, the authorisation is within the Diocese of Brechin only. Lay Liturgical Ministers will not exercise a ministry that would necessarily be recognised elsewhere.
Aren't you just dodging the Reader training?
Absolutely not! There's no way I'd depart from necessary Christian education. The training would involve at least one year's part-time study on an authorised course like the new Discipleship Course. Then there would be further training in practical things like reading, constructing services and leading worship. If individuals have studied on another course then that might be taken into account.
How would these new Liturgical Ministers be used?
I would hope they'd be used on a regular basis, and not simply when the incumbent is away. I envisage them assisting in the ministry of the word - that's the first part of our Eucharist - and of course in actually leading worship and presiding over a service of extended communion if that were required.
Would they be allowed to preach - like Readers?
I think not, because that is a designated role for Readers. However, from time to time, and depending on their background and qualifications, an address might be authorised. It may be worth saying at this point that traditionally a sermon, as such, because it's 'proclamation of the Word', has only been authorised for ordained clergy and Readers. I think it's better to stick to this, and when we do ask laity to 'preach' then they are asked to give a 'talk' or 'address'. It may sound rather fussy to put it this way, but it preserves a sense of good order.
Can anyone come forward now and ask for training for this new ministry?
I don't think it can be done quite like that. While we're always ready to listen to those whom we believe have a sense of a calling, it's very important that in this case individuals come forward for training with the full approval of their incumbent, vestry and congregation. We all need to acknowledge that support, affirmation and good order are essential.
However, if clergy and congregation have someone in mind now, they ought to inform me and get that individual on the new Discipleship Course this autumn.
What kind of ongoing support could be offered to these new ministers?
This is one point where I'd really like to reach for something new. For years we've had a variety of different ministries attached to individual congregations without the individuals feeling they're a part of anything bigger.
What I'd really like to do is to create a little Community for lay ministers, including Readers, which would meet regularly with me to study, share a common meal, a short office, and a dialogue about what everyone is doing.
Sounds a bit like control!
Well, it's certainly a Bishop's job to have oversight of ministers, lay and ordained! I see no reason why those who are to be given liturgical authorisation should not engage in ongoing learning and praying. If you're willing to take authorisation, you also need to take the responsibility for ongoing learning and community that goes with it.
When will all this start?
Immediately, and I will willingly take advice and names from clergy now.
