Lay Ministry: Readers & Parish Officers

Lay Ministry

Every Christian is called to serve and to share the good news of God’s love. The Church authorises some lay people for particular ministries of leadership and service. Some of these are recognised by the Church nationally and have a legal standing.

Readers are a fully trained and recognised ministry. They lead many types of worship, preach and teach, visit pastorally, prepare people for baptism or confirmation and represent the Church in many ways. More information is available on our Readers page here. There's also some general information on Reader ministry at www.readers.cofe.anglican.org. If you think you might be being called to be a Reader, please talk initially to your parish priest.

Church Army officers are also fully trained and recognised as evangelists. They work in parish and community settings. For more information, please visit the Church Army website: www.churcharmy.org.uk

Others have a call to the religious life, as monks and nuns, friars, brothers and sisters. To find out more about religious communities in the Church of England, please go to: www.orders.anglican.org/arcyb

Churchwardens are the elected lay leaders of a church and share with the clergy in giving spiritual leadership while having a particular responsibility for maintaining the building and facilities. They serve for one year at a time and are admitted to office by the Archdeacon.

In addition there are many other roles: Children’s work leader; Youth leader; server; Pastoral visitor; House group leader; Secretary or Treasurer of the Parochial Church Council; Communion assistant; choir member, organist; music leader; flower arranger… the list is almost endless. All of these are the various means by which Christians might work out their following of Jesus, and serve the Church and community.

The Warden of Readers
The Revd Simon Baker
The Diocesan Office
Old Alresford Place
Alresford
Hampshire SO24 9DH
Email: simon.baker@winchester.anglican.org

The Vocations, Selection and Recruitment Officer
Revd Julia Mourant
The Diocesan Office
Old Alresford Place
Alresford
Hampshire SO24 9DH
Email: julia.mourant@winchester.anglican.org

Administrator for Reader Licensing and for Vocations
Mrs Lesley Grimm
Tel: 01962 737315
Email: lesley.grimm@winchester.anglican.org

Parish Officers

Information for Churchwardens and other Parish Officers can be found here and here.
For forms and general enquiries contact Jayne Tarry.
We run regular training events for Churchwardens and Parish Officers. Click here for latest details or contact Lesley Grimm

• Introduction
• Parishes
• Mothers' Union
• Readers & Parish Officers
• Parish Share
• Confirmation
• Parish Stewardship Promoters
• Resources for Treasurers
• Churchwardens
• Resources for Parish Officers
• Tourism