Paul Wilson, Diocesan Reader, St John the Evangelist, Dumfries – at the extreme left of this photograph of some of the Lay Readers in the Diocese - contributes a review of a recently published resource on Reader Ministry.
This is the latest 28-page booklet in the excellent Grove Worship Series (although it could equally be part of one of the other series). Both authors are involved in Reader training, in Norwich and Oxford Dioceses, so inevitably there is a slant towards the Church of England, although there is much of relevance to the Scottish Episcopal Church. The stimulation for the booklet seems to be the recent (2008) report Reader Upbeat to the English General Synod, but it focuses on the state of change in Reader ministry more widely. The authors are convinced that there is a significant and growing rôle for Readers, and set out how this might be developed. They believe ‘the move to the centrality of Communion and decline in Evensong’ is balanced by ‘a growth in Family Services, All Age Worship, “alternative” worship and Readers leading funerals’.
However, they look at more fundamental issues in Reader ministry and training as well. After considering various models for Reader ministry, including preacher-teachers and pastoral work/administration, and the significance of lay ministry, there are specific chapters on Readers leading worship, and Readers as preachers and educators. The first focuses on the breadth of involvement in worship at a practical, personal and theological level, as well as collaborative worship leadership. The second looks at the variety of opportunities for preaching and the importance of biblical training, both for this and for pastoral care, particularly bereavement and funeral ministries. However, the suggestion that Readers should be involved in adult education in their churches, perhaps in innovative ways, is most refreshing and encouraging, with implications for Readers, their incumbents and Diocesan training!
The chapter on life-long learning is about continuing training for Readers throughout their ministry and the importance of ministry review; while that on fostering vocation concerns the changing rôle of Readers alongside other lay ministries and how Reader ministry should be promoted, particularly in view of the present age profile (although I saw welcome signs in this area at the Provincial Readers’ Conference earlier this year).
The final chapter on the service of admission and licensing is of less interest, apart from the suggestion that giving of the Bible at this might be more important than the blue scarf. Reading this booklet is a good way of keeping up with currents trends without spending too much time or money. Why not give a copy to all our Readers and their incumbents? Paul Wilson
W203 Reader Ministry Today. Read, Charles & Tovey, Phillip (2010). Grove Books, Cambridge. ISBN 978-1-85174-758-0. £3.95 (post free). Multiple copies are available in the Diocesan Library, and the booklet can also be downloaded at the same price from the Grove web site www.grovebooks.co.uk
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