Each year a new group of students embark on training for lay ministry in our diocese. They might be training to be a Lay Pastoral Minister, a Licensed Evangelist, or a Reader; or perhaps they are exploring a call to ordination.

Whatever their expectations as they begin the course, many are surprised by the effect it has on them. Here are some of their stories:

Mary Blanchard, trainee Lay Pastoral Minister
"My confidence has grown. I know that God will provide in ways I may not even realise. I know support is available, when I need it .... . Fear of non acceptance vanishes through the power of God's love; most importantly it enables us to love others unconditionally too."
Read Mary Blanchard's story

Kate Bowers, trainee Lay Pastoral Minister who switched to become a trainee Reader
"I was concerned about how I would fit the sessions and study into my already busy life. I am a full-time primary school teacher and often have preparation and marking to do at home.... It has been less difficult than I expected because I have felt very motivated."
Read Kate Bowers' story

Glen Brooks, ministry explorer
"For over twenty years I have felt a gentle but insistent tap on my shoulder from God, but I had done my very best to ignore it! I couldn’t accept that God could have any use for an ordinary person like me ... [who] had left school with very few qualifications."
Read Glen Brooks' story

Peter Dalrymple, trainee Reader
"As a group we represent a range of traditions and spiritualities within the Anglican Church but the great thing is that we all want to learn from each other's traditions."
Read Peter Dalrymple's story

Jane Emerton, trainee Licensed Evangelist
"Shortly after becoming a Christian I experienced an unexpected and
sudden loss of 90% of my vision. Visual impairment meant that specialised software was needed to research and complete the written assignments. This was wonderfully provided through an award scheme founded by Lord Snowdon ... God was opening doors and making
training possible."
Read Jane Emerton's story

Maureen Luke, trainee Reader
"The level of help and encouragement that I have received during my first year, not only from the team but from those I am training with, has been exceptional. I am privileged to be training alongside such great people."
Read Maureen Luke's story

Irene Milburn, trainee Lay Pastoral Minister
"The first class was a total shock to the system. Reading lists, assignment deadlines, portfolios, learning journals. How was I to accomplish all the work while working full time? Was this the 'little pastoral course' I had expected? .... . My learning skills over time have changed from being unconfident, chaotic and laborious to challenging, structured and motivating."
Read Irene Milburn's story

Sue Morris, trainee Licensed Evangelist
"Be prepared to have your preconceptions challenged and your confidence and self awareness increased .... . This is not a course for the faint hearted but .... if you are called to follow this path, you will be part of a well run, life changing journey."
Read Sue Morris's story

Jane Quarmby, trainee Reader
"I have no church background - no Sunday school, no family interaction with the church, no contact at all other than weddings, christenings and funerals .... . On the odd occasion that I did go, it was alien to me and akin to aerobics classes with all the up, down, kneel, stand mysteries."
Read Jane Quarmby's story

Dawn Spokes, trainee Lay Pastoral Minister
"It’s a great feeling to be around people who have the same passion for wanting to share the love of God with all those they come into contact with .... if you’re reading this with a sense of longing to join in, my advice is to go for it!"
Read Dawn Spokes' story

More about Licensed Lay Ministry in the Diocese of Peterborough

More about Vocations to Ministry in the Diocese of Peterborough