User Guide - Congregational Worship Leaders

User Guide - Congregational Worship Leaders Policy

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This document sets out the procedures which must be followed in respect of Congregational Worship Leaders.

Authorisation

  • The authorisation of a congregational worship leader is given by the archdeacon for a period of 3 years. The term is renewable.
  • A form to request authorisation by the archdeacon is available here. Church council approval for the application is required. (This level of authorisation is parallel to that of a communion assistant). A copy of the archdeacon’s approval is noted in the diocesan office for database purposes only.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding procedures must be completed by the congregational worship leader. This includes the Confidential Declaration Form and a Safeguarding Check in accordance with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy.

Training

The training for a new congregational worship leader will be conducted by the incumbent, and will cover at least the following areas:

  • The nature of public worship in the Church of England
  • Voice production and liturgical presence
  • The lectionary and Church Year
  • The liturgical resources of the Church of England: The Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship
  • Principles and guidelines for celebrating Liturgies of the Word
  • Writing and leading intercessions

Limitations on the Role of Congregational Worship Leaders

  • Congregational worship leaders are authorised to lead Services of the Word (including Morning or Evening Prayer). There will be no authorisation to preach at any service or to preside at pastoral offices. Sermons or homilies prepared by or approved by the incumbent may be read.
  • Congregational Worship Leaders are not authorised to conduct funerals, except for the following historical provision: Those authorised prior to 31 December 2014 may in addition be authorised by the Archdeacon if they have undertaken the required Diocesan Funeral Ministry Training.

Comparison of Authorised Duties with those of Readers

Congregational Worship Leaders

  • Authorisation by Archdeacon 3 years renewable
  • Training by incumbent
  • Lead Services of the Word. Sermons/homilies prepared by/approved by Incumbent may be read
  • Historical provision only: those authorised by the Archdeacon prior to 31 December 2014 to take funerals after completing the Diocesan Funeral Ministry Workshop, may have that permission renewed for 3 years.  
  • Recorded in Diocesan database

Readers (Licensed Lay Ministers)

  • Authorisation by Archdeacon 3 years renewable
  • Practical training by incumbent
  • Academic Requirement – see Reader Handbook

Lead all Services of the Word

  1. Preach
  2. Receive/present offerings
  3. Distribute consecrated bread and wine
  4. Take communion to sick and housebound
  5. Undertake pastoral and educational work
  6. Assist any minister as the Bishop may direct
  7. With the incumbent’s permission accept occasional invitations to take part in services of other denominations

With Bishop’s permission:

- Officiate at Communion by Extension services

- Accept regular invitations to take part in services in a church of another denomination with the approval of their PCC

  • Authorised by Bishop to take funerals after completing Diocesan Funeral Ministry Workshop
  • Recorded in Diocesan database

CWL s and Readers MAY NOT

  • Officiate at a baptism, except in an emergency situation when it is lawful for any lay person to baptise
  • Officiate at a Marriage Service or Wedding Blessing
  • Pronounce the Absolution or give any blessing but should use authorised alternative form of words
  • Anoint the sick  (this ministry is restricted to priests and bishops - Canon B37)

 

Updated Feb 2023