EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a programme of theological education by extension, for all Christians, which includes individual study and group theological reflection. EfM teaches participants how to think theologically, deepens their faith and understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides them with a new confidence for Christ’s service. The Anglican Diocese of Kootenay, together with the former Diocese of Cariboo, originally introduced the program to Canada in 1977. As an official sponsor of EfM, our Diocese subsidizes the cost of tuition for each participant by $50. Additionally, the Diocese absorbs travel and accommodation costs for training and re-certification opportunities for EfM leaders.

For more information contact:
Mark S. Lewis
EfM Coordinator
efm@ottawa.anglican.ca

LICENSED LAY READERS

Licensed Lay Readers provide liturgical assistance to the clergy on a regular basis; whose responsibilities can include reading the scriptures, leading prayers, preaching or planning and leading a service of worship under the direction of a priest.

Lay Readers are licenced by the Bishop because of the responsibility, commitment, and training that this form of ministry requires. Licencing also enables greater consistency within Lay Readers functions and training throughout the Diocese.

Additionally, licencing increases accountability for this ministry and integrates this role into the life of the church.

An application form and a parish endorsement form need to be filled out by the applicant and the corporation of the parish, or congregation, within which they are applying. A police record check is also required as a standard part of the screening process for all people in a position of leadership within the church. This training program and its requirements are outlined in the Lay Readers Training Manual. The Incumbent, or other member of the clergy who is in charge of the congregation, signs off the various requirements as the Licenced Lay Reader In-Training completes them.

If there is a backlog in the processing of a police records check, please send your application and parish endorsement, along with a note about the delay; sending the records check once it is received.

Please contact the Warden of Lay Readers to obtain Lay Reader’s Preaching Scarves, Medallions, and/or Ribbons.

The blue scarf should only be worn while preaching, whereas the medallion is worn for all other occasions.

When a Licenced Lay Reader moves to another parish, the licenses are all revoked and a renewal application, signed by the Incumbent, must be mailed to the Warden of Lay Readers. The Warden ensures that the police records check is current and applies to the Bishop for a new license, which will be sent directly to the parish.

Those wishing to have their licenses renewed are expected to participate in some form of continuing education, particularly in the areas of biblical interpretation (exegesis) and preaching (homiletics).

For more information contact:
Rev. Canon Pat Martin
Warden of Lay Readers
warden-layreaders@ottawa.anglican.ca
Box 3033 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0