Who can be an authorised funeral minister?
Funerals are normally taken by clergy, and those Licensed Lay Ministers who have the bishop's authorisation. The bishop is also prepared to consider authorising appropriate pastorally gifted lay ministers (for example Pastoral ALMs) who have the support of their priest and PCC to train for this ministry.
Discernment and Selection
A potential candidate for authorised funeral ministry will normally be identified and recommended by their parish or benefice clergy, and with the support of other ministry team colleagues, lay and ordained. In the case of a vacancy, it may be appropriate for others responsible for ministry in the benefice may to make such a recommendation. The PCC must also support the candidate’s selection for this ministry.
When someone is being put forward for AFM, they will be asked to have an interview with a member of the diocesan vocations team, to confirm the local discernment. Where this interview confirms the local discernment, the AFM candidate will need to complete the Safer Recruitment Process, and for funeral ministry will require an Enhanced DBS check.
It is important to note that discernment continues throughout the training process, up to the point of authorisation, and the mentor, tutors, and trainee should all be continuing actively to discern how the candidate is being formed as a funeral minister. The training process involves both a six-week course organised centrally by the diocese, and an extended period of parish mentoring and apprenticeship with an experienced funeral minister. The training courses run when there is a sufficient number of people to create an effective learning experience.
It is also important to make an honest assessment whether there is a need for this ministry. Unless the AFM has sufficient opportunity to observe, participate in and eventually lead funerals on a reasonably frequent basis, they will be unable to train properly, or develop the ministerial experience required.
Making an Enquiry
If a parish priest thinks they have a suitable candidate, or someone believes this is the right ministry for them, the first step is to contact the Lay Training Officer, Doug Chaplin by email or phone (01905 732817) for an initial conversation, for further details of the scheme, and for an application form.