Overview
This course will develop advanced skills and leadership ability in those wishing to be involved in leading worship in their parishes.
The Lay Worship Leaders course enables those who have successfully completed it to lead worship in their parish under the supervision of their incumbent.
People who have completed this course will have an in-depth understanding of the theology of worship and worship in the bible, practical knowledge of preparing worship using the full range and flexibility of resources available within Common Worship; transferable skills to enable worship leading in different contexts, and gain confidence in leading up front as well as leading a team. Participants will also explore creative ways of supporting the congregation in reflecting on the Bible readings and gospel of the day, including drama, lectio divina, liquid worship and cafe style discussions.
Course Structure
All Lay Training Ministry Pathways courses are delivered in two stages:
Formational Journey Stage 1: Introduction to Theology
- Delivered as either 4 in person study days or over 8 evenings online.
- This can be undertaken as a stand-alone course or as Stage 1 in a journey leading to a commissioned role.
- You do not need the approval of your Vicar & PCC to undertake Stage 1.
Formational Journey Stage 2: Commissioned Route (choose from Lay Worship Leader, Lay Pastoral Minister or Occasional Preacher)
- Delivered over 10 evenings online with one or two in-person gatherings on a Saturday.
- These courses form Stage 2 of a journey. You must have already completed Stage 1: Introduction to Theology.
- You must have the approval of your Vicar and PCC before starting Stage 2
Commissioning as a Lay Worship Leader
Lay Worship Leaders will be commissioned in their parish during Pentecost Season.
If you are interested in attending this course, please complete the Lay Ministry Pathways Application Form. We will then be in touch about next steps.
You will need to provide an up-to-date completion certificate for the Basic Awareness safeguarding course before the course starts, and for the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse and Foundations in Safeguarding courses by the end of the course. These courses can all be completed on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Portal.