Lay Ministry Program
Introduction
We are pleased to offer a new free online resource for Lay Ministry in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador!
This new Lay Ministry Program is a partnership with Queen’s College that provides training for those called to Licensed Lay Ministry that uses an online platform and allows students to work at their own pace. While the program is self-directed, it also encourages supportive learning through peer, parish, or clergy support so students do not feel they are learning in isolation. The program consists of 5 core modules that focus on baptism, eucharist, bible, prayer, and Anglicanism. Additional modules will focus on practical skills like worship planning, pastoral visitation, eucharistic ministry, and other lay ministries. The program is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable, and to equip students for lay ministry and service in Christ’s church in the world today.
At present, this course is designed for current Licensed Lay Ministers or Eucharistic Assistants or those laity who might be interested in this ministry or wishing to explore more about their calling. As the course expands, we plan to provide education for other lay ministries, such as pastoral lay visitors, Sunday School and Confirmation teachers, Vestry, Wardens, Treasurers, and others.
For an overview, there is an Introductory Video of the Lay Ministry course available for viewing at LINK
Also, please find an information sheet for Frequently Asked Questions.
If you are interested, please speak with your Parish Clergy. Only those candidates recommended to the Bishop by their Clergy are eligible for enrolment in this program.
Outline for the Modules
All potential Licensed Lay Ministers must complete modules 1-5, additional modules required depending on each diocese’s assigned scope of ministry (i.e.; Licensed Lay Minister, Licenced Lay Visitor, Licensed Lay Preacher, Eucharistic Assistant, etc.). More modules could be added at the request of diocese(s).
Suggested Textbook: Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe, eds. To Love & Serve: Anglican Beliefs and Practices (Cincinnati, OH: Forward Movement, 2022).
Other required readings and resources to be found at https://www.anglican.ca/about/liturgicaltexts/.
Lay Ministry Basics
Module 1 – Baptism, Discipleship, and Calling
Reading: Chapters 2 & 3, and BAS Baptism pg 146-165
Module 2 – The Bible (Old and New Testaments)
Reading: Chapter 14
Module 3 – The Eucharist
Reading: Chapters 4 & 5
Module 4 – Prayer and Spirituality
Reading: Chapter 16 & 24
Module 5 – Anglicanism
Reading: Chapters 17 & 18, BAS Introduction 7-13
Ministry Specific Modules (proposed modules that will be ready to launch early in 2026)
Module 6 – Worship (the church Year and Lectionary)
Reading: Chapters 10 & 11, BAS Calendar 14-33 & Proper of the Church Year 262-267
Module 7 – Worship (Office and Eucharist)
Reading: Chapters 1 & 9, BAS Eucharist 174-215 & BAS Daily Prayer 36-44
Module 8 – Proclamation and Preaching
Reading: Chapters 25 & 26, and supplement
Module 9 – Eucharistic Ministry (Eucharistic Assistant and Home Communions)
Reading: Chapter 5, and BAS Eucharist 174-215 and Communion Under Special Circumstances 256-260
Module 10 – Pastoral Visiting
Reading: Supplement and BAS 551-564
Module 11 – Funerals
Reading: Chapter 12 & BAS Funeral Liturgy 565-605
Module 12 – Parish Administration and Finance
Reading: Supplement & respective Diocesan Handbook
Outline for each session
Read a short reading as provided in the Canvas Platform
– Students highlight or make notes on things that resonate with them, they struggle to understand, or things that may require further exploration.
– Readings may come from assigned texts that need to be purchased by student or provided by diocese, or selected chapters/articles provided by College.
– Where appropriate sections from the BAS would be the assigned reading (i.e., in the module on the church year and the lectionary, etc.)
Watch a short 20-minute video on the module topic
– Watch with others in cohort, with a clergy mentor, or others from your congregation.
– The goal is for students to complete as much of the module as possible with others. In parishes, deaneries, or archdeaconries where multiple students may be completing modules a cohort would be formed. Where this is not possible a clergy mentor or designated lay companions would support the student.
Discuss the video and readings with others.
– Possible sample reflection questions, but this could vary according to modules.
– What resonated with you or connects with your own faith/ministry journey?
– Is there anything that you’re struggling with or don’t quite understand?
– What in the video or module readings do you feel require further learning on your part?
Reflect and journal on your own
– Assigned reflection question for each module.
– Students would complete reflection journal and submit to Queen’s College for evaluation.
– Journal assignment would be no more than 750-1000.
Practice – Actioning the module
– This would be for the ministry specific modules.
– Students would work with clergy mentor to complete a short practicum for each module (i.e., lead a service, conduct a pastoral visit or home communion, assist with funeral planning).
– Mentor would provide feedback to the student following guidelines and form provided by Queen’s College and created in consultation with the three dioceses. This feedback should be shared with appropriate diocesan liaison.
