The stages of becoming a Reader/Licensed Lay Minister
Four stages of becoming a Reader/LLM
Discernment
Do I have a calling?
Training
What do I need to learn and become?
Licensing
Commissioning and beginning ministry
Lifelong Learning
Nurture and develop your ministry
Discernment
If you feel called, or think you might be called, to the idea of telling others about your faith, and helping others to share your excitement in it and the way it fills your life. If you see yourself doing this in the place where you are: your work, your church, your community. God may be calling you to be a Reader (LLM).
Training
After discernment, which may involve several stages and conversations, part-time training usually takes 2-3 years, depending on your diocese.
Licensing
After your initial training, if you meet all the diocesan requirements, comes licensing by your bishop. This is the start of your ministry journey.
Lifelong Learning
Learning continues after licensing, within and beyond your diocese. CRC is among those providing training opportunities for nurturing and developing your ministry and also provides some grant funding for this purpose.