Two thousand years ago, our Lord Jesus beckoned his disciples to come to him, as they were clinging to life on their battered fishing boat on the stormy Sea of Galilee. They saw him walking on the water and were terrified, thinking that he was a ghost.
Jesus said: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid”. Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “COME!”
So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind; he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, WHY did you doubt?” (Matthew 14: 27-31)
Today many parishioners are riding in their own “boat of security” upon the topsy-turvy seas of Covid19, climate change, international threats of war, and conflict. They hesitate, as Peter did, to attempt to leave their boat in order to “walk closer towards Jesus”.
Perhaps it’s fear of the unknown and untried. However – as all Anglicans should remember – if we do falter when trying something new to enhance our own spiritual beliefs, our Lord Jesus (and your Incumbent) WILL reach out His hand to support you! As Jesus said to Peter “You of little faith, WHY did you doubt?”
I believe that one way to walk closer to Jesus is to become a Lay Reader, as that has been my experience. If you have ever considered such a calling, or are just curious about the qualifications, responsibilities and process of becoming a Lay Reader, then here are the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE – and most importantly – WHY of this important and fulfilling role in our Diocese;
WHO are our current Diocesan Lay Readers? Well they are:
• Parishioners, from different academic, business, spiritual, cultural and family backgrounds; who over time, began to hear the calling of our Lord Jesus to – Step out of their “boat of security” and venture forth onto “uncertain stormy seas”.
• Baptized and confirmed Anglicans, over the age of 18, who have been a communicant member of their parish for at least two years; and believe that they have been “Called by God to affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ”.
• Persons who after initial training, are licensed by the Bishop to lead non-sacramental services, within their own parish; and potentially at other Diocesan churches.
• Persons who under the authority of their Incumbent, are involved in their own parish, and are motivated to serve Christ in a wider capacity as a Lay Leader. Persons who by their actions and life style, demonstrate their Christian faith as set out in the Lay Readers’ Mission Statement:
“We the Lay Readers, licensed by the Bishop of Montreal, believe that we are called by God to affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ in teaching, preaching and leading Worship services. We exercise this ministry in our parishes and throughout the Diocese. We use our diverse gifts, traditions, cultures and languages to be Lay Leaders within the body of Christ, and in our own daily lives.”
WHAT are examples of Ministerial functions which Lay Readers are called upon to do?
• Reading the lessons, doing the Intercessions;
• Leading prayer;
• Officiant (i.e. Leading non-sacramental church services such as Morning or Evening Prayer, Burial of the Dead);
• Assisting ordained clergy during the Eucharist and other sacramental services; chalice bearing;
• Preaching at services;
• Offering ministry to the sick, including in-home, hospital or retirement homes;
• Organizing and maintaining prayer groups, or Bible Study group, or Alpha group, or Sunday School, or Youth group;
• Providing ministry not only in their own parish, but as experienced and appropriate, to other Diocesan parishes according to the temporary or emergency needs.
WHEN might YOU consider the possibilities of at least temporarily stepping out of your “boat of security” to get your feet wet, and initially discern “IF” this important Diocesan Ministry – is appropriate for YOU? Well how about NOW? – Simply review the following questions:*
• Are you filled with love for God? For people? For scripture? For the world?
• Do you think you are being called by Christ to be His Disciple? To be in ministry of Lay Readers?
• Are you willing to follow Jesus’ example of listening, valuing, respecting others? Serve in your Parish and local community? Have empathy, awareness of your strengths & weaknesses?
• Are you open to lifelong learning? Reflection and growth? Working collaboratively and embracing differences? Being a person of integrity & emotional stability? Feedback?
• Can you share God’s story in a way that also encourages others to follow Jesus? Your own faith imaginatively, relevantly and well? God’s love for the world in your Mission?
• Can you grow in faith, and be open to navigating your future, in the company of Christ? By leading collaboratively as part of a team, within your Parish and Diocese?
Now WHERE to go? Well, if you can answer YES to most, or all of these questions, then here’s where you can begin your next step:
• There’s a one-year “probationary” period for all Lay Readers. So first – you need to approach your own Incumbent, and discuss and discern your potential interest for this calling.
• Afterwards, your Incumbent will review your interest with the Parish Council or senior members, for their comments and concurrence.
• During the above processes, you will also be handed a “First Year (Probationary) Application” – which you need to complete and sign; have signed by your Incumbent and two members of your Parish Council, and by another Clergy member who knows you.
• Thus yourself, your Incumbent, and the Pastor to the Lay Readers, will mutually determine if and how, this new calling would be most beneficial to you, as you begin to cross the stormy waters of your new “walk with Jesus”.
• As well, there is another “lifeline” available – known as the Lay Readers Association (LRA). Once licensed by the Bishop, you become a member of the LRA. In general, the LRA is there to assist in: a) Deepening member’s spiritual life, b) Encouraging regular readings of scripture, c) Maintaining effective communication and facilitating interchange of member thoughts and experiences, d) Fostering fellowship, e) Encouraging continuing education – via monthly workshops, annual retreats, and some financial support for outside theological courses. For more details, and access to LRA Resources, kindly visit their website at: http://layreaders.org
Thus, Lay Readers can become much more than just readers – they can become Lay Leaders!
WHY? Do you perhaps sense Jesus is beckoning you to “COME” and join the Lay Ministry? If so, then why not “come into the water”, as other Lay Readers have? Remember, Jesus said to his disciples – “TRUST in ME – I shall always be at YOUR side”. So – if you need to – take your time to decide, think about it, pray about it, then take a few breaths and don’t worry about calming the storm – Jesus will take care of that!
Once you think that you are ready, take that first step and discuss with your incumbent about what you are sensing, and your need for guidance. Then when you start entering the waters of the Diocesan Lay Reader ministry following Jesus’ calling, you will most likely discover that you are NOT sinking at all, as you walk hand in hand with our Lord!
[*Reference 1]: Church of England – Ministry Council – Reader/LLM (Reader) – Discernment Framework – April 2021.
