Lay Leaders of Worship

The course enables parishes across the Diocese to discern the gifts of lay people as local Lay Leaders of Worship (LLWs) and provides training for them, on completion of which, they receive a letter of permission from the Bishop recognising them as Lay Leaders of Worship in their church/benefice. They are then locally commissioned by the incumbent and prayed for by the church community.

Is this course for me?

We would expect anyone considering the course to be a faithful disciple, someone who listens to God and senses a calling to facilitate others’ worship, and has the confidence, willingness and ability to lead a service (but not to preach) if taught how to do so.

If this is you then the first step is to have a conversation with your vicar. They will help you in your discernment and thinking through your gifts and skills. If you have practical questions or concerns, please contact the Ministry Development Administrator..

Safeguarding requirements

It is a requirement for all LLWs to complete the online Safeguarding courses: Basic Awareness module and Foundations module. The Foundations certificate needs to be renewed every three years. The parish is responsible for ensuring that LLWs keep up to date with safeguarding requirements.

Parishes need to conduct a basic disclosure (DBS check) for those on the LLW course/commissioned as LLWs.

What does the course cover?

The Nature of Worship
This session explores the nature of worship by looking at some definitions and biblical passages, and considering the role of the worship leader as the one who facilitates others in worship.

Anglicanism
This session looks at the structures of both the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship resources, and principles for how to use them. It considers the shape and cycle of the church year, and use of the Revised Common Lectionary.

Using Other Resources
This session covers some criteria for choosing and using music in services, and the use of other resources such as art and silence in intercessions in services. It looks also at appropriate ways to ‘fill the sermon slot’, given that LLWs are not permitted to preach.

Leading worship
This session considers practicalities in preparing for leading worship, communication skills involved in leading worship, and follow up after services.

Making worship accessible
We are called to enable all to be able to come to Jesus. It is therefore important that our worship can be welcoming and accessible to any who may attend. This session looks at practicalities in leading and enabling worship that is accessible – both in explicitly All Age Worship and acts of worship more generally.

Leading Worship in Pioneering Contexts
The church is called to reach new people with God’s love. As well as doing this through our existing church communities, this also involves developing new worshipping communities. This can be through adapting a form of church like Messy Church, Youth Church, Café Church, Forest Church etc.; or it can be by engaging with the people and needs of the local community and shaping a worshipping community around them. This session considers important principles and practicalities involved in leading worship in any such pioneering context.