Becoming a Reader

Reader ministry is a public licensed ministry in the Church of England. Through their preaching and teaching and in their pastoral work, Readers help others explore the Gospel message, encourage people to make connections between the church and daily living, and share in the Church’s work of caring for people in Christ’s name.

What do Readers do?

Readers lead acts of worship, by themselves and with clergy;
they help the good news of Christ come alive through explaining the Bible and Christian belief, through preaching and in other ways;
some Readers have a ministry in their workplace, or in a hospital or other setting
Readers agree to be deployed according to the needs of the Church: on occasion this means being licensed to a parish other than the one from which they come;
they have a ministry both to those who are committed church members and to those who are not

What kind of person can be a Reader?

Reader ministry is an important part of the life of the Church of England, in parishes of every tradition.

All sorts of people become Readers – of all ages, and from all backgrounds. Many gifted and effective Readers left school at an early age without formal qualifications.

‘As a Reader I’ve learned to use gifts I didn’t really know I had – and I’ve helped others grow in the gifts God has given them.’

What do I do to explore this further?

In the first instance, you will need to talk with your parish clergy, whose support you will need, and who can put you in touch with the deanery Sub-Warden for Readers.

The Sub-Warden will be able to support and guide you through the application process.

If you apply for training you will be invited for an interview, at which you will have the opportunity to talk about your faith and your sense of calling. The interview panel will assess your potential to serve as a Reader. On the basis of the panel’s report, the Warden of Readers will advise the Bishop, who is responsible for making the final decision.

‘Reader ministry is gloriously imprecise and flexible, and that is a definite plus. It means that your ministry can be very much what God and you make it, and there seem to be almost as many types of Reader ministry as there are Readers. There’s no such thing as a typical Reader.’

‘My motivation is to help people discover Christ, to discover their skills and to encourage them in finding ways for them to use their abilities.’

Training for Reader ministry

Training has three main elements: Study of scripture and the Christian faith, practical training, and personal formation for ministry. These different strands are integrated into one programme of ministerial preparation. This programme normally takes three years before licensing.

Classroom-based study is undertaken by most trainees via the York St John University Foundation Degree in Theology & Ministry, which is delivered at York, Leven and Middlesbrough.
Practical training is integrated into classroom learning but also happens in the parish and on placement.
The personal formation programme is intended to ensure that Readers have a developing and maturing relationship with God in Christ that equips them for their public ministry, and will sustain them in it.

All recommended candidates have an individual discussion about an appropriate route through training. Whilst the Foundation Degree is right for most people, some candidates need an individually-designed training plan to meet their specific needs.

If you would like find out more about Reader ministry, you may like to look at Reader Ministry Explored by Cathy Rowling (formerly Director of Reader Studies in York Diocese) and Paula Gooder, published by SPCK: ISBN 9780281059812

The Warden of Readers for the diocese is the Venerable Paul Ferguson archdeacon.of.cleveland@yorkdiocese.org Tel. 01642 706095