Worship Leader
The certificate program to be licensed as a WORSHIP LEADER (formerly known as Lay Reader) is a lay person who regularly leads public worship 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. 4).
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 Worship 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 second time the Worship Leader shall provide 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, Practicum in Liturgy, and Developing a Rule of Spiritual Life.