Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
God calls all faithful people into ministry and community with one another as the Body of Christ. God also equips all people for these ministries – with that famous variety of gifts, so that we have poets and activists, teachers and engineers, parents and bankers.
Licensed lay ministries are one way that the Episcopal Church lives into the dream of God, where all the saints are called and equipped for ministry, service and love. Those with gifts for compassion might be called to take part in a visiting ministry. Someone with gifts of speaking and teaching may want to explore becoming a lay preacher. Listed here are the specifically licensed ministries named in our canons that lay people might engage in the life of a congregation:
Have you completed the training for a licensed ministry? Apply for your certificate using this form.
Are you already a licensed lay minister looking to renew? Please use the form below for the ministry you are renewing!
Preaching license applications must also include a Preaching Feedback form, completed by the sponsoring clergy or warden, and uploaded with that application. Please complete the appropriate form below:
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A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
The Worship Leader class prepares you and encourages your heart to design, craft and lead with confidence the non-Eucharistic services of worship, particularly Morning Prayer. Part of your course experience is to lead worship during the time between class sessions, offering an experience with which you can learn and share with your classmates.
This year’s course has ended. Introduction to Preaching will be offered again in the 2026-2027 academic year.
A Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach. Persons so authorized shall only preach in congregations under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
Lay preachers are raised up from within a congregation, and are typically trained in diocesan class which includes workshop time for students to practice delivering sermons and receive feedback. Lay preachers must have some experience in Scripture study and biblical interpretation, such as EFM, regular attendance at Bible Study, or coursework like the Anglican Bible class through CALL at CDSP.
Clergy who would like to train members of their own congregation for licensed ministry as worship leaders or preachers should reach out to the Rev. Susie Shaefer, sshaefer@edomi.org directly.
A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. A Eucharistic Visitor should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors are generally trained in their local worshipping community, typically by a deacon or other clergy person in leadership. Deaneries may also wish to hold a training session, especially if there are a number of congregations without clergy in the area.
Printed Resources for Congregational Use
These downloadable training guides and outlines are available as samples and suggestions for congregational use:
Online Video Resources for Congregational Use
The Whitaker Online School with ChurchNext offers video courses for free that can be used in training, including:
Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan can access these ChurchNext courses at no cost by signing up through our Whitaker Online School.
All people seeking licensing for these ministries must be up-to-date on their Safe Church, Safe Communities training prior to applying for a license. Safe Church, Safe Communities training is fully online, and more information can be found on our Safe Church, Safe Communities page.
Other licensed ministries include Evangelist, Catechist, Pastoral Leader and Lay Chaplains. If you are interested in pursuing any of these roles, please reach out to The Rev. Susie Shaefer, sshaefer@edomi.org to learn more.
