Exploring Licensed Lay Ministry

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.

Could it be you?

Trainee LLMs come in all shapes and sizes: can you say ‘yes’ to some of the following?

  • You feel God’s call to ministry of some kind
  • Your gifts have been recognised and affirmed by others in your church or community
  • You seek to connect what you know of God’s word with what is happening in society
  • You are open to new challenges and willing to step beyond the familiar in following Jesus
  • You are willing to work as part of a team

Remember that following God’s call is a process; it may take a while for the way to become clear.


Training for Licensed Lay Ministry

The Diocese of Ely is in partnership with the Eastern Region Ministry Course to provide training for our candidates for Licensed Lay Ministry.

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Children and Families' Licensed Lay Ministry Specialism

Detailing the role of the Children and Families' Licensed Lay Ministry (C&F LLM) pathway. Developed as a response to the needs of children and their families to be ministered to in appropriate ways by practitioners who were sufficiently theologically trained.

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