A Lay Ministry gathering at St Martins House earlier this month brought together more than 60 people who serve our churches, communities, and institutions across the Diocese of Leicester.
During the morning, those who met shared ‘glimpses of glory’ from their lay ministry - their stories detailing their mission and calling across a variety of contexts and circumstances.
In faith and fellowship, they talked about seeing people grow in their faith; opportunities for sharing life and faith in unexpected places; offering pastoral care to those in challenging circumstances; how they’re growing in confidence in ministry, growing in faith and being blessed by others, and how they’re sharing faith stories with children and families in churches, schools and communities.
The group heard inspiring stories from lay ministers who offer chaplaincy in a number of different contexts, including hospitals, prisons, Leicestershire Police, the Cathedral, and as a Street Pastor. These people spoke of how they see God at work in the lives of others in the places they serve.
The gathering received feedback from those piloting Pastoral Reflection Groups as a way of supporting ministry. These groups enable lay ministers to gather for purposeful, prayerful conversations and find mutual support.
There was also an update on Focal Ministry, recognising the ministry of those called as spiritual leaders of particular churches. They are rooted in their communities, are the visible face of the church and encourage others to find and deepen their faith.
Dawn Daley, a Focal Minister in Quorn, shared her experience and her ‘glimpses of glory’.
Other conversations included the challenge of responding to the many new communities being built in Leicestershire.
Shayne Ardron, Chair of the Lay Ministry Council, gave an overview and vision for Lay Ministry as well as updates on the work of the council over the last year. She invited nominations for the forthcoming vacancies on the council.
If you would like to find out more about the Lay Ministry Council, contact shayne.ardron@leicestercofe.org
Lay Ministry
Lay ministers are called to a wide range of contexts and to a wide variety of forms of ministry. Many occupy that fruitful place of connection between church and community, they are embedded in neighbourhoods, workplaces and institutions. Lay ministers are able to embody the grace of God amongst the people they meet and:
- Offer spiritual leadership
- Grow faith in others and enable them to live out that faith in the world
- Offer public ministry
If you would like to explore lay ministry, please contact: Liz Rawlings, Discipleship and Vocations Enabler on liz.rawlings@leicestercofe.org