Pastoral Leader

As we move further into the twenty-first century there are new signs of life and hope for the church. Among these are the growing numbers of people who feel called to various ministries for the people of God. In many smaller congregations, especially those who cannot afford the services of a full-time priest, one person is needed to provide that special touch to ministry on a regular basis. The ministry of PASTORAL LEADER helps to meet that growing necessity. The Pastoral Leader is a lay person authorized to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop (Title III, Canon 4, sec. 3).

The authorization for this ministry is a license issued from the Bishop’s Office to the Church for the lay person to exercise this ministry. In the Diocese of Long Island the license is granted for three (3) years, renewable twice (for another six years giving a total of nine years), following the Diocesan training program for Pastoral Leaders.

In renewing the license, the Bishop shall consider the performance of the ministry by the person licensed, continuing education in the licensed area, and the endorsement of the member of the clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith in which the person is serving (Title III, Canon 4, sec. 2b). Before the license can be renewed for a third time the Parish Leader shall show proof of continuing education approved by the Director of the Mercer School of Theology.

Depending on the focus of the “Pastoral Leader”, whether it is for pastoral or administrative responsibility as defined by the Bishop for the particular congregation, the course of studies for the two-year certificate program will be determined by the applicant and the Director of the Mercer School of Theology.

For pastoral responsibilities the course work will focus on the Theology of Pastoral Care, Active and Spiritual Listening Techniques, CPE unit through EHS, Prayer Book Class, Eucharistic Visitor License, CSA certification, and the Development of a Spiritual Rule of Life.

For administrative responsibilities the course work will focus on the Theology of Church Administration, Denominational Polity and Church Structure, Financial Management, Legal and Tax matters, Property Management, and the Development of a Spiritual Rule of Life.

Please note that all these courses are open to any one who wishes to attend as a means of personal education and continuing education without having to enroll for the Certificate program.

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