A confirmed communicant in good standing or, in extraordinary circumstances, subject to guidelines established by the Bishop, a communicant in good standing, may be licensed by the Bishop to serve as Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Evangelist, or Catechist. Requirements and guidelines for the selection, training, continuing education, and deployment of such persons, and the duration of licenses shall be established by the Bishop in consultation with the Commission on Ministry. (IV.1.a). The purpose of selection is to identify and appoint individuals of good character and reputation to a pastoral ministry that requires skill, sensitivity, and spiritual maturity. While the Diocese may occasionally offer training opportunities, primary formation and instruction remain under the direction of the priest.

Definitions of Ministries 

A Pastoral Leader is a lay person authorized to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop.

A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith. See training video and lectionary resources below. 

A Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach. Persons so authorized shall only preach in congregations under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

A Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

An Evangelist is a lay person who presents the good news of Jesus Christ in such a way that people are led to receive Christ as Savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fellowship of the Church. An Evangelist assists with the community's ministry of evangelism in partnership with the Presbyter or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation, or as directed by the Bishop.

A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. A Eucharistic Visitor should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.

Discernment and Training

Those seeking licenses for Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Catechist, or Evangelist must enter a period of discernment with the clergy in charge or, in the absence of such clergy, with the Bishop. A revised version of the Discernment process used for ordination is then applied to any such persons. Training will be determined on a case by case basis. However, an intensive process of formation should be expected. For instance, completion of the four-year course of Education for Ministry and additional tutorials by clergy would be standard.

Discernment and training for Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors occurs at the congregational level. The priest in charge, or a person appointed by the Bishop, provides the necessary instruction and then submits a written request for licensing to the Bishop. This request may be made by email. 

Licenses for all lay ministries are for three years. Except for Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors continuing education is required. Renewing any license requires additional training prior to renewal.

 

Morning Prayer Resources: 
https://www.lectionarypage.net/ 
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/ 

Safe Church  

Safe Church training is required for those seeking to be licensed for any lay ministry.  

Safe Church, Safe Communities training is available through Praesidium Academy, an online program designed to increase awareness and prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults. There are two levels of training: Universal and Specialized. All clergy and lay persons active in any type of ministry should refer to the Course Requirements chart or check with the clergy, administrator, or Safe Church Minister at their local congregation/other organization to determine training requirements.

The Course Requirements chart contains specific course requirements for each ministry role listed. To ensure full compliance with the policies recommended by The Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Western Louisiana mandates that everyone engaged in ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults take all of the courses labeled "Recommended" and "Suggested".

For assistance with Safe Church training, please contact the Missioner for Safe Church, The Rev. Whit Stodghill, III.