Lay pioneers
Lay pioneers
Most of our students are lay people, that is, they are not planning to get ordained as deacons or priests. Lay pioneers are often already at work pioneering and need to be recognised and celebrated.
A “lay pioneer” is a term used loosely, so it can mean various things. The word lay really means people so any pioneer not ordained is a lay pioneer.
But different denominations do recognise lay pioneers in different ways.
In the Church of England you can be admitted to the Order of Lay Worker or Reader through your local diocese. In discussion with your bishop you can then be licensed to a specific lay pioneer role and function.
At CMS we have two pathways for training that have been approved by Ministry Division for those training to be lay workers or readers as pioneers, one at undergrad and one at postgrad level.
Some lay pioneers have been authorised by their diocese as a result of doing the CMS Certificate (unaccredited) in pioneering mission through one of our hubs. Talk to the hub about that.
Dioceses have their own training but it is important you know that the ones we have are nationally approved, which the diocese may not realise.
More details in our FAQs:
- How can we best encourage and support lay pioneer ministry?
- How can I be recognised as a lay pioneer in the Church?
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