Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs)

What are Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs)?

Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) are lay people who come from all walks of life; they are licensed by their bishop to a teaching and preaching ministry, both within church and outside its traditional boundaries. Called by God and trained in theology, they bring their life experience, skills and knowledge to their Christian service. LLMs often have a role in equipping other Christians to grow as disciples in their places of daily living.

They work together with ordained and lay colleagues, usually serving within a ministry team.

In addition to preaching and leading worship LLMs may:

  • Serve as chaplains in places like prisons, schools and hospitals
  • Lead study groups in a variety of contexts, e.g. Bible study, Lent courses, confirmation and discipleship courses.
  • Work with children and young people
  • Exercise a caring ministry in their communities, including workplace.
  • Conduct funerals

LLMs also find many informal ways of ministering by their presence, witness and listening at their places of work, at home, among neighbours and in their local communities.

Becoming a Licensed Lay Minister

LLM Handbook

  • LLM Handbook - currently being revised, available soon.

LLM Annual Review and Working Agreement

LLM Code of Conduct

  • LLM Code of Conduct - currently being revised, available soon.

LLM Continuing Ministerial Development

  • Bishop's Study Days - LLMs are invited to attend the Bishop's Study Days, which can be booked via our Training Portal
  • IME2 Programme for LLMs after initial training - currently being revised, available soon.
  • A lot of the training available to Clergy is also available to LLMs, and can often be booked online via our Training Portal. Look out for opportunties by signing up to the weekly Ministry Mailing.

Dates for your Diary

  • Licensing Service - 30 September 2023
  • Annual Gathering of LLMs - 11 May 2024
  • Selection Day - March 2024

Transforming Ministry

More information on and for LLMs can be found on the Transforming Ministry website.

Contact the Lay Ministry Team

The Diocese of Ely has four Area Sub Wardens:

  • Cambridge North: (Deaneries of Cambridge North, North Stowe, Fordham & Quy) - Alison Wedgebury
  • Cambridge South: (Deaneries of Cambridge South, Bourn, Shingay and Granta) - Lindi Kent
  • Huntingdon: (Deaneries of Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots and Yaxley) - Geoff Boucher
  • Wisbech: (Deaneries Wisbech Lynn Marshland, Fincham & Feltwell, March and Ely) - Nigel Moat
Powered by Church Edit