Licensed Lay Ministers

Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) are voluntary lay people who are theologically and practically trained to work alongside ordained and associate ministers as a valuable resource for the Church.  They are licensed by the bishop, usually to specific parishes, and are accountable to both the bishop and their incumbent (or equivalent) to equip the church in their context for ministry, mission and discipleship.  In this diocese the two main forms of licensed lay ministry are Pastoral Workers and Readers.

LLMs are a vital part of the ministry and life of local churches across the diocese. We support our Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) through a network of local support hubs, bringing together LLMs from groups of deaneries.

Licensed Lay Ministry as a whole in this Diocese is under the care of the Bishop's Advisers for Licensed Lay Ministers (BALLM), who work within the Ministry Team to:

-        equip, support and encourage LLMs across the diocese; 

-        develop and promote licensed lay ministry locally and nationally

-        bridge communication between LLMs and the bishops

-        assist with the discernment and selection process

Requirements for all Licensed Lay Ministers

All Licensed Lay Ministers must have:

·       Current Enhanced+ level DBS certificate issued by the Diocese (valid for three years, renewable upon expiration);

·       completed a confidential declaration on the House of Bishop’s approved form (when applying for DBS); and

·       completed Safeguarding training to Leadership level, Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse (renewable every three years).

NB. Basic Awareness and Foundations safeguarding training should have been completed within the selection and training process.

Click here to access the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal

Ministry Agreement

All LLMs must have a signed Ministry Agreement - a written agreement between the Incumbent and the LLM outlining the area/s of ministry, time commitment, expectations and reimbursement of costs. 

This should be reviewed annually, and a copy sent to the Bishop’s Ministry Administrator (BMA), whenever there is a renewal or extension of your licence, transfer or change in status such as Emeritus or PTO.

Ministry Agreement Template - Pastoral Worker

Ministry Agreement Template - Reader

Ministerial Development

All LLMs should commit to ongoing personal development through private study, study days and retreats.  Training grants are available to LLMs, LLMs with PTO, and Church Army up to £250 per person per annum via Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) – subject to the availability of funds.    

LLMs and Parish Vacancies

The guidance below details information and guidance LLMs, churchwardens and PCC members will find useful during the various stages of a parish vacancy.

Parish Vacancies - Information for LLMs

LLM Policies and Procedures

Click here for information on

·       Renewal of Licence

·       Reaching 70-75 years old – Emeritus or PTO?

·       Extension of PTO Licence

·       Transfer of Licence/PTO from one Parish to another

·       Transfer of Licence/PTO from another Diocese

·       Putting your Licence on hold, Resignation, Surrender

·       Leaving the Diocese

Safer Pastoral Practice

Click here for guidance on safer pastoral practice for licensed lay ministers

Transforming Ministry Magazine

Should you wish to receive a copy of the Transforming Ministry magazine, this is available in digital or printed format. You can use your CMD grant to pay for the subscription.

Bishop's Advisers for Licensed Lay Ministers

Jeanette Howe jeanette.howe@chester.anglican.org 07549 214283

Karen MacMillan karen.macmillan@chester.anglican.org 07549 214284

Jane Gerrard is based at Church House and oversees the administration of the community of Licensed Lay Ministers. Tel: 01928 643426 Email: jane.gerrard@chester.anglican.org

Bishop's Ministry Administrator

Karen Alsop is based at Bishop’s House and administers all licence and PTO matters.

Tel: 01244 350864

Email: karen.alsop@chester.anglican.org

 Click here for the pages on licensed lay ministry on the Church of England website.

If you would like to talk to someone informally about licensed lay ministry, please email ministry@chester.anglican.org.