Readers are lay people who are called to serve the Church in a preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry. They are theologically trained to proclaim the Gospel, to lead worship and to minister effectively in collaboration with their parish priests.
Reader ministry is a long established, nationally accredited form of lay ministry within the Church of England. You can find out more from the national Reader website: www.readers.cofe.anglican.org
A Reader’s ministry is likely to include:
preaching and teaching
leading and assisting in worship
assisting with the administration of Holy Communion
pastoral work
conducting funerals with the consent of the deceased's family
In addition to these roles, Readers are often involved in teaching children, in youth groups, confirmation classes, marriage and baptism preparation, study and discussion groups. They might also be involved in Alpha, Emmaus and Credo courses — situations in which they can help people grow in faith.
Readers will also find informal ways of exercising their ministry by their presence and witness - in their place of work, at home, among neighbours and in the local community. They can be a focus and encouragement for the witness of other Christians.
Training days, retreats and events for Readers in the diocese are shown in the Ministry and Adult Education Diary.
Introductory leaflet about Reader Ministry.
Contacts
Warden of Readers: The Revd Canon Dr Phillip Nixon
General Secretary:
Vyv Wainwright.
Tel: 01572 759157. Email: avwainwright@aol.com
Sub Warden (Greater Northampton): The Revd Janet Tebby
Sub Warden (Kettering): The Revd Shena Bell
Sub Warden (Peterborough): The Revd Catherine Ievins
Candidate Secretary:
Val Bedwell.
Tel: 01536 417341.
Email: valeri64uk@yahoo.co.uk
Co-ordinator of Reader training: The Revd Steven Palmer
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