Formation

Licensed Ministry and Lay Micro-Certification

How is God calling you to serve?

Pathways of Lay Ministry

Licensed Ministry Pathways

Licensed Ministries requiring a 10-month certificate from the Iona School for Ministry

Worship Leader

A Lay Licensed Minister of Worship who regularly leads public worship and assists in the planning of worship within their congregation

Catechist

A Lay Licensed Minister of Formation who is authorized to prepare parishioners for Baptism, Confirmation,  Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows within their congregation

Preacher

A Lay Licensed Minister of Preaching who is authorized to preach on a regular basis within their congregation

Evangelist

A Lay Licensed Minister of Evangelism who presents the good news of Jesus Crist in such a way that people are led to receive Christ as Savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fellowship of the Church. An Evangelist assists with the community’s ministry of evangelism 

Licensed Ministries requiring an online training course

Eucharistic Minister

A Licensed Eucharistic Minister is authorized to administer the consecrated Elements at the Celebration of Holy Eucharist within their congregation

Eucharistic Visitor

A Licensed Eucharistic Visitor is authorized to take the consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration

Lay Micro-Certification

Requiring an online training course

For those congregations who have lay leadership regularly leading during Sunday Morning Worship, these micro-certifications are alternate options to licensing. These micro-certifications ARE NOT the same as licensing and do not replace licensing.

Daily Office Leader

A Lay Leader who feels called to lead Morning or Evening prayer during Sunday Worship on an occasional, as needed basis

Proclamation of the Word

A Lay Leader who feels called to deliver approved sermons written by clergy during Sunday Worship on an occasional, as needed basis

These micro-certifications are intended to function as additional resources to equip and empower lay leadership within the congregation by enhancing the ministry of any lay person who feels called to assist occasionally on an as needed basis with leading the Daily Office during Worship and/or the Proclamation of the Word during Worship.

We hope you have found this page helpful for your discernment journey, and we encourage you to continue discerning in prayer, in conversation with trusted friends and family, in conversation with your Rector/Vicar/HOC, and in conversation with your church community. 

Consider these questions as you continue on your journey…

What are your gifts, skills, and talents that bring you life and bring life to your community?

How might these connect to the specific ministry roles outlined above?

How is God calling you to serve?

What Are My Next Steps?