A Lay Pastoral Minister and Worship Leader have recently been commissioned at St John’s Church in Cleckheaton.
Richard and Robert, both pictured with their commissioning vicar Revd Brunel James, are members of St John's Church and joined others across the diocese who have completed the three stage pathway this year.
The Lay Pastoral Worker Pathway includes a Level 2 Pastoral Assistant's course, followed by a level 3 Lay Pastoral Minister's course that enables those who have successfully completed it to lead, train and deliver excellent pastoral care on behalf of their parish under the supervision of their incumbent.
The Lay Worship Leader’s ten month course develops the skills and gifts of the participants as well as providing the resources and experience needed to equip them to lead worship in their own churches.
Rev’d Dr Hayley Matthews, Director of Lay Training for the Diocese of Leeds, said, “Our congratulations go to Richard Bentley who was commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Minister, and Robert Cave who was commissioned as a Lay Worship Leader, in Cleckheaton this Pentecost.”
“We are sure they will be a real blessing to their parish, bring a new dimension of lay leadership alongside their incumbent’s ministry.”
“These exciting new pathways in Lay Ministry are fast filling up for the new start in October 2021 so do please jump onto the DLP for further information and to book your place, or alternatively contact our Lay training Administrator on carol.stenner@leeds.anglican.org”
Speaking about his journey to becoming Lay Pastoral Minister, Richard Bentley said, “I decided the course would be a perfect ingredient towards my vocational discernment, which is in its early stages.”
“It has given me a really good insight into how the Church of England can play a big part in people's lives through pastoral care, this has also helped me within my role as a NHS volunteer chaplain at Pinderfields.”
“I strongly recommend the lay pastoral assistant and minister courses to anyone who has a inclinations towards a pastoral and caring vocation, because it offers invaluable training to be vessels of Christ’s love within the community.”
Reflecting on his experience of the Lay Worship Leader course, Robert Cave said, “I’ve been the Church Warden at St John’s Cleckheaton for 4 years, during which time I’ve been involved in aspects of worship – bible readings, leading intercessions and all age worship.”
“This year we have met exclusively on Zoom which has sometimes been challenging but the course has been well thought through and rewarding.”