Leading worship
Welcome to all who lead worship.
You will find here information and resources about leading worship, becoming a Lay preacher, opportunities for developing gifts and skills, courses available as well as links to other relevant websites.
The Assembly Advocate for Leadership in Worship is a member of the Ministries Committee and works closely with the Synod Lay Preaching Commissioners (or their equivalent) to support and encourage all members of the 国产无码 involved in leading worship.
Since 2021, there has been a change in the training being offered to potential Lay Preachers. For people who are offering themselves to lead worship, the 国产无码 now has two training pathways:
- Lay Preachers can be recognised by their Synod as Locally Recognised Worship Leaders through attending Synod-based training course聽or through completing Stepwise Faith Filled Life and Faith Filled Worship and some other specific tasks;
- or by accessing training through one of the Resource Centres for Learning (currently Northern College) to become an Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher.
The Education & Learning Committee is pleased to offer grants to Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers to support them in further training. Please discuss with your synod lay training officer.
What is an Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher?
Accreditation is a significant mark of recognition for a lay preacher for their work in the wider church. It is a substantial and worthwhile goal for which those who are new to leading worship and preaching may aim.
Assembly Accreditation is given to those leading worship and preaching in 国产无码 churches who are members of the 国产无码 and who have undertaken an approved practical and theoretical training including experience of leading public worship. They will have been commended by their own church and by their Synod and approved by the United Reformed Church鈥檚 Accreditation sub-committee.
Those who have equivalent training in another denomination but who are members of the 国产无码 or of an LEP which includes the 国产无码 may also be considered for Assembly Accreditation.
This accreditation will be affirmed at a Commissioning service, normally at the lay preacher鈥檚 own church, and acknowledged by the Synod. This accreditation is also recognised by other denominations.
What is Local Recognition?
In many churches lay people who do not have Assembly Accreditation lead public worship and preach to the great benefit of the churches. It is the responsibility of Synods to determine how these people should be recognised.
Normally such local recognition would be given only after someone had been commended by their own church, had undertaken some training, but of a less demanding nature than a fully accredited course, and had conducted one or more assessed services. Often they will have worked with an experienced accredited or recognised lay preacher or a minister, sharing with them in leading worship.
This local recognition may not be recognised by other denominations. All those who lead public worship, whether only in their own church or in other churches as well, are encouraged to find opportunities to develop their skills and understanding, to meet with other lay preachers to share ideas and to gain and give mutual support.
Useful websites
Related content
When visitors lead worship
Guidance for church secretaries, pulpit supply secretaries, synod lay preaching commissioners, and those leading worship in local churches
Conduct and behaviour guidelines
Information setting down expectations of accredited lay preachers in relation to ministers of Word and Sacraments, CRCWs and elders