There was much joy, hope and thanks given to God for the gift of lay ministry in the parish of Broughton Astley, Croft with Stoney Stanton recently, as Heather Beadle and Malcolm Burland were commissioned as Locally Authorised Ministers.
Revd Pauline Cummins led the celebratory ‘All Together Service’ at St Mary’s Church in Broughton Astley, which saw Heather and Malcolm making a commitment in front of their congregations to serve as ‘small group’ lay ministers in their church and communities.
Their individual journeys of discernment started many years ago, but in more recent months they have been guided by Revd Pauline who helped them to recognise their gifts and ministry.
An active member of his church, Malcolm has previously been church warden and ‘all things maintenance’ at St Michael’s in Stoney Stanton.
He is also part of the Open The Book team that goes out to all five primary schools within the parish.
When Revd Pauline arrived in the parish, two years ago, Malcolm was already leading and managing a small group of people who would regularly take the Thursday morning prayer group.
This lay-led morning prayer service has become an important part of the ministry at St Michael’s, with up to 20 people attending.
Malcolm says: “I profess to primarily being ‘a Christian’ and secondarily ‘an Anglican’. I committed my life to Jesus in my early teens as part of a 'London City Mission' visit to the labourers working in the hop gardens of Kent.
“During our time in Huncote (some 20+ years) my wife Maureen and I were active members of the Methodist Chapel - our involvement being very much concerned with the young people of the village and circuit, although including all aspects of church life, while bringing up a young family.
“Sometime after moving to Stoney Stanton and joining St Michael’s church I agreed to become a churchwarden to help ‘steer the ship’ through a vacancy where (and I say this humbly) my ‘practical’ and ‘organisational’ gifts came to the fore,” he continues.
“I have never been an academic and my Christianity is based in Jesus’ simple gospel teaching rather than any deep theological understanding of the Bible. If I see a need and feel capable of addressing it I will “do my best”, which is how I came to organise our Thursday morning service rota and along with others lead the worship. This was to replace our then existing Thursday morning communion service during the second vacancy I was to experience.”
We recognise how important it is for the diocese to support lay people as they step up to a need within a Christian community whilst our ability to pay for full-time stipendiary posts is limited.
Though Malcolm is worried about the diocesan direction of travel regarding finances, he feels called to support his local community and has faithfully taken on this role.
“When Revd Pauline told me she was moving, I reluctantly agreed to accept the title of Locally Authorised Minister, in appreciation of what I was doing and to give me authority to continue my ministry,” he says.
“Looking forward was highly relevant to my acceptance of the title as, at the age of 79, I am pulling back from active roles and handing over the reins to younger people where possible.
“I pray that this, with priestly-led spiritual leadership, will be key to ensuring that vibrant, forward-looking Christianity is maintained and grown within our communities.”
Establishing Minster Community ministry teams that can support the work of all our lay ministers in their vocational calling is an important part of the Minster Community formation process.
Revd Liz Rawlings, diocesan Discipleship and Vocations Enabler, says: “Churches flourish when all members are encouraged to grow and share their diverse gifts. The Body of Christ is then able to fulfil its calling as salt and light in the world.
“As a diocese we are looking for ways to encourage and equip the whole people of God to share in this ministry of grace and to train and support those called to specific vocations such as Locally Authorised, Lay Associate and Ordained Ministers.”
Heather has been a member of St Mary's Church in Broughton Astley for more than 20 years. She leads and manages the ‘Teddy Bear Bunch’ – a weekly group for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups, which includes a cuppa and a chat, along with Bible stories, song time and craft activities.
Heather also manages the Facebook page which provides ministry outreach to many.
Heather explains: “My faith has always been important to me, and it is good to be able to welcome people into the church where they can feel at home. I see my role as a team member, encouraging grown-ups in Teddy Bear Bunch to share the joys and challenges of childcare, and for children to learn how to be in a cooperative and shared place.
“Our group is a gateway for younger children and their families to come to Messy Church and other events throughout the year such as the Christingle service. Work with children helps to grow our Church and I am humbled to be part of that.”
Revd Pauline says that Heather was initially hesitant to have the title of ‘minister’ as she felt she was doing something that came naturally to her, and she was well supported by their small team of volunteers. However, over time, Heather was able to see that what she was doing was ministering to many families and carers, sharing stories and showing God’s love in her own calm and pastoral way.
Revd Pauline was a Lay Reader herself in the Anglican Church prior to her ordination, and it is through her understanding of lay ministry and the importance it will play in Minster Communities across the diocese, that encouraged Pauline to identify Malcolm and Heather as ‘small group’ ministers.
They have both since been wholeheartedly approved by PCC members and welcomed into the parish ministry team, sharing information and contributing to meetings.
The service of authorisation was Revd Pauline’s last in the parish, as she has now moved to be the Rector of the Waltham Group in Lincolnshire.
She said: “It was a privilege to be able to present Heather and Malcolm at the united service as they were upheld in prayer by all who were present, and they will continue to be a positive witness within their ministry groups and communities.”
Indeed, the vocation to live out our faith in the whole of life is the calling of all Christians. A way in which we can do this more formally, without extensive training or ordination, is by becoming a Locally Authorised Minister.
Following your calling and sharing your gifts might lead you to become a pastoral visitor or pioneer, a children and youth volunteer, or worship leader. All these lay roles are recognised, equipped, celebrated, and authorised locally.
Revd Liz Rawlings said: “As Christians we are each called to live out our faith in the world and to offer our gifts to build up the life of the church.
“The flourishing of the local church is the greatest hope for our communities and is rooted in our worshipping communities being places of mutual care and discipleship that enables each of us to grow and exercise the gifts God has poured out among us.
“Locally Authorised Ministers carry out a range of ministries that bring blessing and fruitfulness within the church and beyond.”
If you would like a conversation to explore what God may be calling you to, please get in touch with liz.rawlings@leicestercofe.org