CAPTION: The Bishop of Crediton with some of the Licensed Lay Ministers who were relicensed
Bishop Jackie Celebrates Licensed Lay Ministry at Appledore Service
Over 40 Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) from North Devon have been relicensed for a further five years at a special service in Appledore.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Revd Jackie Searle, the Bishop of Crediton led the service for Barnstaple Archdeaconry, and thanked each LLM for their commitment to serving the people of Devon with joy.
The service was hosted by the newly appointed vicar of Appledore the Revd Julies Hayes, who even arranged for the service to be live-streamed for those who couldn’t attend.
Bishop Jackie reminded those gathered of the ministry of LLMs with the words: “My sisters and brothers, God has called us into the fellowship of the universal Church. As members of his body, Christ calls us to minister together in his name and, according to our gifts, to be instruments of his love in the world.
Licensed Lay Ministers wear blue scarves when they robe-up
“Readers are called to a ministry of the word, preaching and teaching, inspiring others to follow the way of Christ, and calling them to share in the good news of the kingdom.
“They are called to a liturgical ministry, leading worship, proclaiming the gospel story and helping God’s people to greet their living Lord, so that they may worship him, praise him and live by his commands.”
There are a number of LLMs currently serving in mission communities across Devon and more on the two year training course run by SWMTC.
Kingdom Encouragers
The Archdeacon of Exeter, the Venerable Andrew Beane, is the Warden of Readers – overseeing LLM ministry. He said “Today’s LLMs are our community builders, practical theologians, faith interpreters, lay leaders and kingdom encouragers.
“The ministry of LLM needs to be valued, respected, honour and acknowledged at a local, Diocesan and national level; it is deployable, yet rooted in local communities; it is specific yet empowered to embrace the broad spectrum of worship and ministry; it is both deeply theological and at the same time ultimately practical.
“LLMs are trained and, at the same time, moulded around their particular individual calling to serve. Their ministries are varied and embrace many different aspects of service both in the church and wider community. LLMs need to work in partnership and collaboration with their ordained colleagues, who in terms need to recognise and support the vocation to lay ministry.
“I would love to see our LLMs leading engaging services; running Alpha Groups; leading on children and families work; training Anna Chaplains and Pastoral care Teams; I see them as Focal Ministers, Spiritual Directors, Worship Leaders, I see them as the workplace theologians and pioneering change agents.”
This year’s new LLMs will be licensed at Exeter Cathedral on 7 October.
If you would like to find our more about LLM Ministry please look at our website page.
Or contact Andrew Beane email
