1 The Church needs Lay Preachers
LAY PREACHERS are an integral part of the
United Reformed Church. Along with the other recognised Ministries
in the United Reformed Church, Lay Preaching affirms that Ministry is
the work of the WHOLE PEOPLE OF GOD.
"The Lord Jesus Christ continues his ministry in and
through the Church, the whole people of God called and committed to his
service. For the equipment of his people for this total ministry the
Lord Jesus Christ gives particular gifts, and calls some of his servants
to exercise them in offices duly recognised within his Church."
Among the offices so recognised by the United
Reformed Church is that of lay preacher.
"The worship of the local church is an expression
of the worship of the whole people of God. In order that this may be
clearly seen the United Reformed Church shall provide for the training
of suitable men and women (from among its members) to be accredited
by District Councils as lay preachers"
[Extracts from the Manual of the United Reformed Church]
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2 Is God Calling You?
Lay preachers in the United Reformed Church
are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, situations, and ages. Some of
them belonged to the church for many years before becoming a lay preacher;
others were more recent members. Some felt a specific 'call' to lay
preaching; others 'drifted into it' because of a need in their local
congregation.
About one third of the services held throughout the
United Reformed Church each Sunday are led by lay preachers. In part this
is due to the fact that there are fewer ministers than there are churches
but lay preachers are also a valued resource and play an important role in
the public ministry of the Church. The lay person is in a unique position
alongside the 'person in the pew' to reflect the needs of members of the
congregation. Often their daily work is outside the church, mixing with
people who are not associated with the church, and because of this the lay
preacher can bring a different perspective to worship and has a rich source
of experience to use for illustration. When Jesus taught people about God
he used incidents from everyday work situations to make the message REAL for
his listeners.
Together the minister of Word and Sacrament and the
lay preacher bring their varied experiences into their conduct of worship
to give praise to God and to build up and encourage their fellow Christians.
In the same way that the church needs ministers, the church needs lay
preachers of all ages to offer themselves to serve in this way.
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3 From a Pulpit Supply Secretary
Lay preachers are invaluable to churches like ours that
have had long vacancies or a shared ministry.
Lay preachers have a very
important and valuable role in our church life, not only because they ‘fill
the pulpit’, but many of them bring a freshness to the scriptures. In our
experience, they can bring a new insight and different outlook and
understanding to many of the familiar Bible stories.
Because they
live in the same environment as the congregation, lay preachers are able to
relate to the lives of our people. We experience similar pressures - though
these differ from the pressures of a full time stipendiary minister.
For a lay preacher, it is a calling to preach the Word of God, and not just
‘part of the job.’ A lay preacher, like a non-stipendiary minister, may
have to prepare services after doing a full time job. The congregation
knows this and appreciates the dedication and the love which makes them
come out to lead the services on Sundays for different churches - thus not
only preaching the Word of God, but also showing God’s love to others.
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4 What the United Reformed Church expects
of Lay Preachers
- To have a real sense of
calling and a commitment to preach the Word of God.
- To have a good grasp of the Gospel to be proclaimed.
- To be in sympathy with the Basis of Union and the ethos of the
United Reformed Church.
- To show a willingness not only to make use of the opportunities for
initial training, but also of continuing that training throughout their
lay-preaching ministry.
- To show a willingness to lead worship with reasonable regularity as
far as the demands of the other areas of their lives allow, whilst bearing
in mind the need to take an active part in the life and work of their own church.
- To have the ability to be able to reflect, in worship, the experiences
of their own world of work and leisure.
- To show a willingness to become involved in forms of ‘team ministry’ as
churches group together in teams or clusters etc. This ability will become
more important as the proportion of stipendiary ministers to churches
falls.
The Future of Lay Preaching in the United Reformed
Church
The United Reformed Church. is constantly evolving and
adapting to meet change. This is especially true as it seeks to recognise
new forms of ministry and seeks new styles of leadership, which ENABLE the
WHOLE people of God to function more effectively.
People who commit
themselves as lay preachers in this overall task must expect the style of
their ministry to evolve alongside changes in the wider Church as we accept
new or renewed insights into the nature of worship, the role of leadership
and patterns of ministry.
The lay preacher’s work is always a
challenge; and as we are receptive to God so we receive strength to live
up to our calling.
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5 The Call to be a Lay Preacher
HOW TO TAKE THE FIRST STEPS.
So you have been encouraged to become a lay preacher!
Perhaps the suggestion has come from your minister or a church member
whose opinion you respect and who may have seen you taking part in the
leading of worship.
The most important thing is DO NOT PANIC. Give it
some thought. It may surprise you to know that only a small proportion
of those who serve God as lay preachers in our churches actually welcomed
the initial suggestion, and caution in seeking the way forward is a good thing.
The first step is to talk with your minister, or Interim Moderator. They
can be most supportive and can give you opportunities to explore your gifts,
without taking things too quickly. They could also put you in touch with the
Lay Preaching Commissioner.
ENQUIRER'S CONFERENCES take place
locally on a regular basis. These conferences (1 or 2 day) are times of
exploration. There will be people present and information available
representing a wide range of ways in which God has called women and men to
serve Him. You will have an opportunity to hear about the work of each and
to talk to them, and to others who, like yourself, may be unsure of their
next step. The United Reformed Church rightly expects a very high standard
from those who lead our worship Sunday by Sunday, and offers training to
those who serve our congregations as lay preachers. Training begins as
soon as the person recognises that they are being called to lead worship
on a regular basis and should continue throughout one’s service.
It is right that this is so, for it is God whom we serve and to whom we
offer our gifts. Ongoing training is also important to help us to grow
in our faith and learn to share our faith with others.
| "Anyone feeling a call from God to lead Worship and to Preach his
Word will want to go further than following good technique. They will
want to do so from their heart. They will be committed to pour out God’s
love and care into the worship." |
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6 PERSONAL STORIES:- Does one seem to
fit you?
How I recognised and responded to a call to lead
worship
My first experiences of preaching were as a student
at university where the local United Reformed Church invited us to take
the services once a term. A couple of us would produce mini-sermons as
part of the worship and I agreed to ‘have a go’ at this daunting task.
On finishing university I was keen to continue some part time study and
considered theology. Then my minister raised the possibility of TLS.
I was immediately attracted by the concept of merging theological
reflection with a structured programme of practical work, but what
practical project to undertake? The more I thought about it, the more
I felt that my call was to lay preaching. TLS is hard work. However
its impact on me, both spiritually and practically, has been significant
and I look back with gratitude for the help and inspiration the course
offered me. I recently became a Nationally Accredited Lay Preacher and
those close to me tell me that I am much better as a result of my
training. I find preaching a challenging and rewarding task and pray
that God will continue to stimulate me and other lay preachers as we seek
to proclaim his Word in the years to come.
Andrew. Northern
I began by 'doing the address' in youth-weekend services as no one else
fancied the job. I felt the call to become a lay preacher in my early
20s, but rejected it when I became involved in a 'fundamental' group
at college. I felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment. It wasn't
nice and I realised God was telling me I had made the wrong decision.
I feel my call confirmed every time I preach. My particular passion
is trying to reawaken some of the mystery and excitement in bored,
jaded Christians (most of us at some time or other!)
Janice. Mersey
Preaching was the very last thing I ever imagined myself doing. I had
never taken part in any form of public performance and had a horror of
doing so. I have an active Methodist Church background from childhood,
but came to feel my spiritual life was stagnating. I prayed about it,
asking for God's guidance. I expected Spiritual Renewal, perhaps
speaking in tongues, but the result was a strong feeling I should
offer myself for training as a Local Preacher. Even when I started the
course in 1991 I half hoped I would be thrown off, but it was not meant
to be that way and I finished in 1994. Since then I have preached
regularly in local Methodist and United Reformed Churches. I find it a
joy and a privilege, but also a great deal of hard work. I much
appreciate the Methodist Local Preachers Meetings and annual training
days and have also attended preaching conferences, which have been an
inspiration.
Chris. Thames North
I have no idea how I became a lay preacher. I just slipped into it with
the help of our minister. I studied the course current at the time and
became accredited. I am an 11plus failure from an ordinary working class
London family but did finally get a degree. Now retired I am proud still
to serve my Lord and humbled by the opportunity to do so. I am blessed
with a great sense of fun and hope that the joy I find in my faith is
shared with others.
Kathleen. Eastern
I am a young accredited lay preacher. At 26 I would imagine that I am
the youngest to undertake TLS in England and Wales. I have been leading
worship in our group of Churches for 5 years and I have just been
Nationally Accredited after three years on the TLS course. The first
time I led worship was at a morning service when our minister was on
sabbatical. On reflection I probably did not lead the service very well
- we were finished within 50 minutes and at that time I realised I had
a lot to learn. I am sure that my preaching and my understanding of God
have developed as I have studied. I believe that we have to take
seriously the importance of preaching and leading worship and the best
way to do so is to be trained for the task. I hope my preaching and
leading of worship enables the congregations in which I serve to catch
a glimpse of God. I still have a lot to learn but, through prayer and
dedication, I pray I might be able to share something that is helpful
in the churches I am called to serve.
Andrew. Eastern
I had been involved in Junior Church in several Churches for over 20
years and was comfortable there. Because of my involvement also with
Christian Aid, I was asked to 'DO' the sermon for Christian Aid Week.
I chickened out, involving another man, and then manoeuvring things so
he did the lion's share! Several years later I had to do the whole
service for the Sunday before Christmas. This time there was no way
out. After the service a lady, whose opinion I respect, said that I
should recognise my Call and train as a lay preacher. I didn’t respect
her opinion THAT much! For the next two years I had to take a few
services in my own church (with the lady 'encouraging me' after each
occasion). I finally recognised that either I would have to accept
God's call and undertake the training or defy Him for the rest of my
life. Only God could get a dyslexic through a two-year written course
with good marks - and He did. I still get nervous every time I lead
Worship and need the Vestry Prayer for His support and the prayer is
always answered. Every Service is a confirmation to me of my call.
Robert. Mersey
Two years ago I celebrated 65 years as a lay preacher and am still
conducting services of worship. As a lad of 15 my minister persuaded
me to conduct a couple of evening services. From then on I have been
kept busy in local Congregational (now United Reformed), Baptist and
Methodist churches, although there was no formal training then so I am
still not an accredited lay preacher.
Jack. East Midlands
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7 National Accreditation or
District Recognition
What is National Accreditation?
Accreditation is a significant mark of recognition for a lay preacher for
his or her work in the wider church. It is a substantial and worthwhile
goal towards which those new to preaching may aim.
The United Reformed Church's Accreditation Sub-Committee (through Studies
Panel) may give National Accreditation to lay preachers who are members
of the United Reformed Church and who have undertaken an approved
practical and theoretical training including experience of leading public
worship. The person will have been commended by their own church meeting
to their District Council as a lay preacher. The District Council will
commend them to the Accreditation Sub-Committee. The District will
formally affirm this National Accreditation at a Commissioning Service,
normally at public worship in the lay preacher's own church as well as
acknowledging it at a District Council meeting.
What is District or Area Recognition?
In addition to the list of Nationally Accredited lay preachers, every
District/Area Council keeps a list of people who are Recognised as able to
lead worship within their own District/Area. The District should ensure
that lay preachers on the list have an understanding of the Basis of
Union and the ethos of the United Reformed Church and are willing to
participate in further training or self-improvement as necessary.
Most people are recommended to District/Area Council by several local
churches who have found the person to be satisfactory in leading
worship. Those accepted for District/Area Recognition as lay preachers
should be encouraged to make use of the local resources and leadership
available to them for training. Such study, if approved in advance,
may be structured to build up to a standard where National Accreditation
may be sought. Districts/Areas and Synods maintain lists of Nationally
Accredited and District/Area Recognised lay preachers and church secretaries
and others responsible for arranging pulpit supply can consult these
lists for their area.
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8 TLS from a student’s perspective
It takes three years to complete studies on Training
for Learning and Serving to the point where the student may qualify for
National Accreditation as a lay preacher within the United Reformed
Church.
In my experience these are three years of strict self-discipline,
hard work, but above all of satisfaction and fun! The course material is
excellent and, although sitting oneself down to write the required essays
is a bit of a chore, - there is always something more urgent or more
interesting to do - the local group meetings (tutorials) and the residential
weekends are always events to look forward to.
Each student is supported by a local Support Group, by their local tutor
and, hopefully, by their local church. For a lot of us though, other
support is absolutely essential - namely from one’s spouse or partner
and family, where appropriate, - for without this the demands of the
course will lie much heavier on the student.
The course is part academic and part practical, particularly for those
using the full three years as preparation for National Lay Preaching
Accreditation. This is one of the benefits of the TLS Worship &
Preaching module - you really can put into practice the theory you
have gained from the course material and additional reading matter.
In terms of benefits to be gained from the two years of the TLS Foundation
course followed by the third year Worship & Preaching Course, I suggest
these include: -
- Personal spiritual growth and development.
- Increased knowledge, and the confidence to impart this to others.
- A wonderful sense of fellowship with other students & course tutors
at local group meetings and at the residential weekends.
- A lot of satisfaction and enjoyment.
|
This, of course, is only a personal list, but I think
I can speak for the majority of TLS students by saying that the whole
learning process is very much worth the effort we put in.
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9 Training of Lay Preachers
Training is always seen as part of the individual’s
continuous learning about their faith and deepening their experience
of God. We strongly encourage those who are asked to lead worship to
undertake a training programme so that they may be able to give of their
best as they offer worship to God.
How do I go about it? Initially some people may be invited
by their District Commissioner to join with others in local informal
training sessions. In other areas, however, there are fewer opportunities
for preliminary training unless people are able to enrol on a formal
course of study.
Initial Training for National Accreditation.
At present Training for Learning & Serving, (TLS), is the preferred
training programme used by the United Reformed Church. It is designed
for a wide range of people wishing to explore
their faith more deeply and, particularly, to examine the direction
of their call for further service in the Church in the safety of a
small and friendly group. Those who are training to be Nationally
Accredited lay preachers need to complete a two-year foundation
course including an essay option, followed by a one-year Worship and
Preaching Course.
How does TLS work? TLS is an integrated course, where
working together and in the context of the real world are important.
It includes fortnightly Home Study units. This study, and associated
reading, prepares questions for the local study group discussion.
Local study groups include a tutor and up to six students and meet
about once a fortnight in term to share Bible study, to follow up
home study and to reflect on areas of service. Course members also
attend regional residential weekends four times a year to share
worship, study, and teaching and to compare findings from local
groups.
Further details may be obtained from the Secretary for Training,
United Reformed Church, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT
Qualifications from other denominations. The United
Reformed Church recognises the fact that many of our congregations
are in a union with another Christian denomination and others are in
Local Ecumenical Partnerships. For this reason and because of the
mobility of people today, someone with recognition as a lay preacher
in another denomination may offer themselves as a lay preacher
within the United Reformed Church. As far as training is concerned,
this will depend on previous qualifications, but they will usually
be asked to study a unit on the history and ethos of the United
Reformed Church and/or to lead one or two assessed services before
recognition.
Continuing training and development. Training should
not stop once a lay preacher has been District Recognised or
Nationally Accredited. Every District is encouraged to offer
opportunities locally and the United Reformed Church nationally
attempts to make widely known development opportunities available
through a variety of United Reformed Church and Interdenominational
programmes in various parts of the country. Weekend courses are run
at Westminster College; the College of Preachers runs one-day and
weekend courses; Synods run courses which may be suitable for lay
preachers as well as ordained ministers; there is an annual
ecumenical weekend conference for lay/local preachers/readers; and
other opportunities for development arise from time to time.
