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 in the 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
After-Licensing Training
Timetable for After-Licensing Training for LLMs.
Dates for your Diary
Here are some photographs from our 2025 LLM licensing service.
LLM Selection Day - March 2026
Annual Gathering of LLMs - May 2026
Licensing Service - October 2026
LLM Annual Review and Working Agreement
LLM Code of Good Ministerial Practice
- Code of Good Ministerial Practice for Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) in Ely Diocese.
Reflective Pastoral Supervision
Guidelines and forms for Reflective Pastoral Supervision.
LLM Handbook
LLM Handbook (updated February 2026).
Resolving a complaint
- Resolving a complaint involving an LLM (updated October 2025) - Resolving Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances Concerning LLMs.
- Disciplinary Prodedure LLMs (updated October 2025).
Study Days
LLMs are invited to attend the Bishop's Study Day and other Study Days.
Contact the Lay Ministry Team
Contact details for the Lay Ministry Team and information about the Area Subwardens.
Ministry Mailing
Look out for further opportunities by signing up to the weekly Ministry Mailing.
Training Portal
Additional Training can be booked via our Training Portal.
Transforming Ministry
You will find stories, resources, and book reviews, as well as useful information for Wardens, lay ministers, and those exploring Licensed Lay ministry at Lay Ministry.org.uk. Developed by the Central Readers' Council, the site is being developed to support Readers/LLMs and all kinds of lay ministry within the Church of England.
Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) and others can also benefit from extra training. Some events for LLMs in training are offered to a wider audience. Other training may come from the Cental Reader's Council or from outside bodies such as the College of Preachers.