The first cohort of people training as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) at St Mellitus College are preparing to complete their studies this summer and are being licensed to a variety of ministries and parish settings across the diocese.
The gift that LLMs bring to any ministry environment is that they have been trained in ministry and are theologically articulate.
The general consensus is that the new St Mellitus College course is a great success in preparing students for a variety of leading lay ministries. The clear expectation is that LLMs are being theologically prepared as mission-orientated adult educators, small group leaders, leaders in pastoral ministry as well as competent preachers and worship leaders.
Students for Licensed Lay Ministry will be men and women in their 20s or in their 50s (or anywhere in between!) who are called to lay ministry in their local church. It is expected that each person will serve in a ministry which is appropriate to their skills and giftings, and also to the needs of their parish (so, for example, there is no automatic expectation that they will preach regularly unless it is clear that this is where their talents lie and what the local situation calls for). The gift that LLMs bring to any ministry environment is that they have been trained in ministry and are theologically articulate.
As we begin the discernment process for the 2013 intake I draw your attention to two sources of information for you to share with members of your congregation.
One is the ‘Introduction to Licensed Lay Ministry’. More details can be found on at www.london.anglican.org/mission/lay-ministry, where there is a short video presentation, useful to play to small groups or PCCs.
The other is the flexible access course Beginning Theology. This course is for those for whom academic study is a distant memory or has never been a part of their lives. It is also highly suitable for those for whom English is a second or additional language. Beginning Theology can be used as a stand-alone course or as a preparation to further studying and ministry training, including LLM training or Ordination training.
If you have any further questions do please contact your Area Warden of Licensed Lay Ministry or Area Director of Training and Development – or do contact me direct.
