Lay Ministry - What's That?

In Unitarian circles, you will hear about Worship Leaders, Lay Worship Leaders, Lay Preachers, Lay People in Charge, Lay Leaders and Lay Pastors. What do these terms mean?

Worship Leader: this is someone who leads services, usually in their own or neighbouring congregations, but who does not have any GA-recognised qualifications.

Lay Worship Leader (formerly Lay Preacher): this is someone who leads services, usually in their own or neighbouring congregations, who has successfully completed either the GA's Worship Studies Course, or its predecessor, the Certificate of Lay Preaching and the Conduct of Worship (CLPCW).

Lay Person in Charge: this is someone who is appointed to have pastoral oversight by the congregation which they serve.

Lay Leader: this is someone who has pastoral oversight of the congregation which they serve, and who has also been recognised as a Lay Leader by the GA's Interview Panel. They will usually have done some training, either at Harris Manchester College Oxford, or Unitarian College .

Lay Pastor: this is someone who is like a minister, in that they have gone through a recognised period of training, either at Harris Manchester College Oxford, or Unitarian College, and have been admitted to the GA Roll of Ministers and Lay Pastors, but who generally only works part-time for their congregation.

All are eligible to join UALM, as are ministers who are interested / in sympathy with our objectives.