Posted in Leadership
Lay Preachers’ Sunday is an annual event within the Uniting Church in South Australia. Sunday 7 August marks the official date this year, and will provide an opportunity for congregations and faith communities to celebrate lay preachers and lay leadership.
Churches are encouraged to engage with Lay Preachers’ Sunday resources on any Sunday they choose, rather than limiting them to the one August date. The 2016 Lay Preachers’ Sunday resource, including an order of service and liturgy, can be downloaded here.
This article provides a straightforward look at the meaning of the term “lay preacher”.
What is a lay preacher?
A lay preacher is a lay person – an “ordinary” member of the community – who preaches the Gospel as part of a worship service or gathering. Recognised lay preachers (formerly called accredited lay preachers) must undergo study. Other lay people may preach but are not recognised lay preachers.
What is the difference between a recognised lay preacher and a lay leader?
Outlined in the Basis of Union, lay preaching is one of the avenues available for Uniting Church members who have a gift of ministry and feel called to preach the Gospel. Recognised lay preachers are authorised to preach in any Uniting Church congregation to which they may be invited.
The term “lay leader” applies to all other ministries conducted by people within a congregation. This includes the many people who preach while not holding formal recognition.
The service of both recognised lay preachers and lay leaders who preach are invaluable to the Uniting Church community. Without the service of these people, there would be many congregations each Sunday who would have no one to share a Gospel message.
How does someone become a recognised lay preacher?
The process begins when a person believes they have received a call from God to undertake ministry as a lay preacher. That call is explored, or “tested” in the official lingo, through the person’s local church council and the Uniting Church SA Lay Preachers’ Committee.
There is a specified training and formation requirement, and the study component is delivered by Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. It is important to note that the study can be undertaken by any person at any time – it may even be that a call to lay preaching will arise out of study.
When these processes are complete, a commissioning service is held.
Application forms for those wishing to train as a lay preacher and those wishing to be recognised as a lay preacher can be downloaded here.
What further information is available on becoming a lay leader or recognised lay preacher?
A Lay Preachers’ Handbook is available on the Uniting Church SA website, and has been updated for 2016. Further information is also available on the Lay Preachers page.
Further information is available through the Lay Education Office at Uniting College on 8416 8427 or by contacting Max Howland at Turn on Javascript! or on 0414 910 419.
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