Reader ministry is an indispensable form of service to the health and growth of the church. Whether you are already a Reader or are exploring God’s call to this ministry, this page will provide useful information and contacts.
Thank you for your collaboration and openness to work together in God’s world, both within the church and the wider community. May God bless and guide you in your discipleship journey.
About the role
Reader ministry is a distinct lay ministry which serves God both inside and outside the church. Readers are lay people who are trained, and licensed by their bishop, to preach and teach, enable mission, and lead in church and society. They might have a broad ministry inside and outside the church, or might focus their ministry in a particular area such as preaching, schools work, or funeral ministry.
“What I love about being a Reader is the variety of what comes up and how it can be flexible to your personal situation. From discipleship groups in the week to being up front on Sundays. From visiting older folk to engaging with teenagers. From working with asylum seekers to driving for Foodbank. There is a place for you, whatever your age, in your church and your community.”
READER IN THE DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS
Key Reader Ministry Contacts
Exploring Reader ministry?
Get in touch with our Vocations Team.
Already a Reader?
The Diocesan Warden of Readers is the Right Revd Dr Jane Mainwaring, Bishop of Hertford.
The Diocesan Readers’ Association Secretary is Canon Richard Osborn.
All Reader and Reader in Training DBS enquiries, applications and renewals are dealt with by the Diocesan DBS Administrator.
For licensed Readers in Early Ministry Development, your key contact is the Revd Canon Em Coley.
Useful links
Exploring Reader Ministry, for those considering whether Reader Ministry is right for them;
Readers in Training, with information and support to those training for Reader Ministry;
Supporting Readers in ministry, including resources, Statement of Arrangements, and key documents for licensed Readers, license transfers; and
The Central Readers Council, an independent charity set up to maintain and develop the work of Readers in the Church of England and the Church in Wales.