28 people received a certificate from Bishop John last Sunday to mark the completion of their courses to become Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs). The special service at Worcester Cathedral was a celebration of this form of lay ministry.
Authorised lay ministers train over a year to be equipped for specific roles in the parish. This year’s ALMs have been in trained in either children’s and youth work, pastoral work or as worship leaders. They will work alongside ordained clergy and licensed lay ministers as part of the ministry teams in their individual parishes.
During the service, the Revd Canon Doug Chaplin, Lay Development and Discipleship Officer, gave an address to the newly authorised ministers. He said: “There are many different ways of doing ministry. We all have different gifts, and it is only by combining them together that we can be most effective. Ministry is all about service and our model should always be Jesus, who asks how he can serve us. I pray that as God has given you those gifts for which you can be thankful, that you can offer them in the service of others and God.”
John Liggitt from St James’ Church in Harvington near Evesham trained to be an ALM in Children’s and Young People’s work. He said: “I have been volunteering with the Harvington Youth Project and was keen to expand my knowledge. It was good to link with people from other parishes and see some of the things they do and also learn different ways to pass on my faith to young people, particular teenagers.”
Sue Sperring from St Laurence’s Church in Alvechurch has become an ALM worship leader. She said: “The course was great, I learnt so much about the Church of England and the different service styles; it’s really helped me to focus on the structure of a service. I’m looking forward to being able to support our vicar as part of the ministry team and am excited to know what God will do with me next! It’s a privilege to lead God’s people.”
Alison Russon from St Peter’s Church in Cradley, just outside Halesowen trained as an ALM pastoral worker. She said: “It was a wonderful course, informative, thought provoking and eye opening. I also made some new friends. My ministry includes taking prayer shawls, knitted with love and prayer by members of the Mothers’ Union to people in need of healing. I’m looking forward doing more of that as an ALM, praying for those people in our parish who are struggling.”
