Readers are a vital part of the mission and ministry of the Church of England. They have the ministry of 'preaching and leading worship in a pastoral context' - they are licensed for a wide range of individual ministries, whilst remaining very much lay people. Many Readers have full-time or part-time employment outside the Church, others are retired or full-time family carers. A few work full-time in Church ministry, but this is still unusual.

Training for Reader ministry in this diocese takes place over a three year period and is open (subject to selection) to communicant members of the Church of England between the ages of 20 and 60 at the start of the course.

If you believe that God may be calling you to the ministry of a Reader, contact Nick Watson, Warden of Readers, on 01332 831352, or e-mail: newatson@btopenworld.com.

For more general information about Readers, visit the National Readers’ website.

Also, why not explore the training and learning for lay people section for more general courses on developing your discipleship?