Training for Readers
If you believe that you might have a calling to Reader Ministry now is the time to act, and speak to your vicar. It takes several months from filling in the first form to receiving a recommendation for training, time during which references are called and interviews held. So talk to your incumbent first and see whether together you believe that it is right for you.
The Diocese of York is a partner with York St John University in their Foundation Degree in Theology and Ministry. This is the core of the training programme for most of our Reader candidates, and it is also used by other people to further their understanding of Christian theology and ministry. Foundation Degrees equate to years 1 and 2 of a 3 year undergraduate degree in subjects where theory and practice are inextricably linked. This course has recently been inspected by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and has received an exceptionally positive report with the reviewers stating that they have confidence in the quality of the learning opportunities provided by the course, in academic standards and in student achievement.
