What is a Worship Leader?
A Worship Leader is a person licensed by the bishop to lead public worship under the direction of the member of the clergy in charge of the congregation. The Worship Leader must be a confirmed adult communicant (regular member) in good standing and recommended by the member of the clergy in charge of the congregation. Guidelines for training and licensing of Lay Readers are established by the Bishop.
Worship Leaders have traditionally held an important place in the American church, dating from colonial times when clergy were scarce. The first American Prayer Book (1789) used the word "Minister" instead of "Priest" in rubrics in various places to allow greater participation of Worship Leaders in the worship of the Church.
A Worship Leader may lead the Daily Offices of the Church along with any other "Office", non-Eucharistic celebration, found in the Book of Common Prayer omitting substituting any form of blessing with "us".
Worship Leader training is offered by the Whitaker Institute - Click here to go to the Whitaker Institute webpage.