Preacher

Mercer School of Theology offers a program of study to prepare candidates to receive a certificate and license as a PREACHER. “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 (Title III, Canon 4, Sec. 5).

The authorization 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 once (for another three years giving a total of six years), following the Diocesan training program for lay Preachers.

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 second time the Preacher shall show proof of continuing education approved by the Director of the Mercer School of Theology.

This formation course is a two-year certificate program that comprises courses in the Scriptures (Hebrew and Christian), Introduction to Liturgy, Prayer Book Worship, the Liturgical Year, Introduction to Preaching, Preaching the Lectionary, Spirituality of the Preacher, the Church and Contemporary Issues, Ethics, Practicum in Preaching and Developing a Rule of Spiritual Life.

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