The National Canons of the Episcopal Church provide for the licensing of certain lay ministries by the Bishop, upon the request of the Member of the Clergy in charge of a particular parish.
Enrollment in and completion of any Mercer program is only the preparation for licensing. The actual license will be issued by the Bishop at his discretion and only at the request of the Member of the Clergy in charge of the congregation in which the person will be serving. Before issuing such license, the Bishop may require additional preparation. The Bishop determines which lay ministries are appropriate in the diocese.
The Lay Ministries outlined by the National Canons include:
Lay Preacher: a lay person licensed to preach in congregations upon the initiative and under the supervision of the Member of the Clergy in charge.
Catechist: a lay person licensed to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows under the direction of the Member of the Clergy in charge.
Worship Leader: a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy.
Pastoral Leader: a lay person licensed to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop.
Courses offered by the Mercer School of Theology for various ministries may be organized in the following thematic areas:
Certification for:
Lay Preacher |
Catechist |
Worship Leader |
Pastoral Leader |
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