On Saturday, 11 October, at Bristol Cathedral, the Diocese celebrated the admission and licensing of five volunteers, all from different backgrounds, licensing them as Lay Ministers as they step into various roles of leadership and service in their local parishes.
Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) are volunteers who, having responded to a call from God, are trained and licensed by the Diocese to teach, enable mission, and lead within church settings. Their training covers theology, pastoral care, and a range of ministerial skills to equip them for their roles. Serving under the authority of a parish priest, LLMs are often involved in a wide range of ministries, including pastoral work, evangelism, chaplaincy and community engagement.
At Saturday's service, 5 individuals, Paul Belcher, James Davies-Spratt, Anita Dobson, Claire Eade and Stephen Rolston were admitted and licensed by The Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon. Before the service, attendees had the opportunity to read some of the stories of those being licensed, learning about each of their individual journeys of faith.
James Davies-Spratt shed light on the similarities between his experiences of strength training and lay ministry, saying:
“Since stepping into this call, I’ve been stretched in ways the gym never prepared me for: preaching with shaky hands, praying out loud without tripping over my words, and learning to lead with love (and occasionally snacks). I now realise that ministry isn’t about having it all together, it’s about showing up with a willing heart and a whole lot of grace. God’s yoke may be easy and his burden light – but don’t be fooled. It’ll still work muscles you didn’t know you had.”
Claire Eade wrote about her journey of faith, saying:
“I’m a proud Bristolian, born and raised in this vibrant city, and I consider it a great privilege to be licensed in its Cathedral. I came to Christianity in my 30s, and it was through my work at the Diocesan Office and the Exploring Christianity course that I felt a deep calling to serve my Parish Church, St Peter’s Filton, as a Licensed Lay Minister. I’ve been blessed with the support of those around me who have seen me grow and flourish throughout my formation year. Their encouragement has helped my confidence blossom, and I now step forward with a heart full of hope and commitment.”
During the licensing, Bishop Neil blessed the new LLMs, praying:
“May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, strength and love to do his will, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon you, and on your work done in his name, now and always.”
We give thanks for Paul, James, Anita, Claire and Stephen and pray for their flourishing as they serve and share the love of God with their Churches in their roles as LLMs.
If you would like to speak with someone about Lay Ministry, please email Stephanie Hayton, the Dioceses Adviser for Lay Ministry: Stephanie.Hayton@bristoldiocese.org
If you would like to learn more about Licensed Lay Ministry please click the button below.
More information about Licensed Lay Ministry