Ministry of Word and Sacraments

Ministers of Word and Sacraments are called to preach the gospel, celebrate the Sacraments, exercise pastoral oversight and equip God’s people for ministry. They serve not simply as leaders of congregations, but as those who help the Church discern God’s will, nurture discipleship and enable mission.

Within the United Reformed Church this ministry may be exercised in a variety of ways. Some ministers serve in stipendiary appointments, while others serve in recognised non-stipendiary ministries. Some are called to local pastoral leadership, others to pioneer new forms of church or to serve in specialist ministries. Whatever the context, the ministry is rooted in the faithful proclamation of God’s Word and the pastoral care of God’s people.

Church Related Community Work (CRCW)

Church Related Community Workers (CRCWs) are ordained ministers whose primary focus is the Church’s mission within local communities. Rather than beginning with the gathered congregation, CRCWs begin by listening to their neighbourhoods, working alongside local people to address poverty, isolation, inequality and injustice.

Their ministry helps churches become deeply rooted in the communities they serve, enabling people to work together for lasting social change while bearing witness to the transforming love of Christ. CRCW ministry is both professional community development and Christian ministry, bringing together faith, justice and practical action.

Explore Community Work (CRCW)

Lay Ministries

The ministry of the Church is sustained by the gifts of countless lay people who serve in local congregations and communities. Elders share with ministers in the pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership of the local church. Lay Preachers and Worship Leaders lead worship, preach the gospel and help congregations grow in faith. Many others exercise ministries of pastoral care, children’s and youth work, discipleship, administration, music and mission.

These ministries remind us that leadership in the Church belongs to the whole people of God and that every Christian has gifts to offer in God’s service.

Lay Preaching

Lay Preachers have long played a vital part in the life and witness of the United Reformed Church. Called by God and recognised by the Church, they are authorised to lead worship and preach the gospel across congregations, bringing theological insight, pastoral sensitivity and a deep commitment to helping others encounter Christ.

Lay preaching is much more than filling a preaching rota. It is a ministry of proclaiming God’s Word, interpreting Scripture faithfully, and helping congregations reflect on the relationship between faith and everyday life. Lay Preachers often serve across several churches, offering continuity, encouragement and fresh perspectives within pastorates and Synods.

The ministry of a Lay Preacher is exercised in partnership with Ministers of Word and Sacraments, Elders and Worship Leaders, reflecting the United Reformed Church’s understanding that the ministry of the Church belongs to the whole people of God. Through careful preparation, theological study, prayer and worship leadership, Lay Preachers help nurture discipleship and enable congregations to grow in faith, hope and love.

For many, lay preaching also becomes a place of ongoing discernment, where gifts are recognised and a deeper sense of vocation begins to emerge. Whether serving occasionally or regularly across a number of churches, Lay Preachers make an indispensable contribution to the worshipping life and mission of the United Reformed Church.

Pioneer Ministry

God is continually calling the Church into new places. Pioneer ministers are called to establish new Christian communities among people who may have little or no connection with existing churches. They are gifted in listening, building relationships, innovation and helping new expressions of Christian community emerge.

Pioneer ministry often takes place beyond the walls of traditional church buildings, seeking fresh ways of sharing the gospel that are rooted in local culture while remaining faithful to the life and witness of the wider Church.

Read about Pioneer Ministry

Chaplaincy

Chaplains represent the Church in places where people live, work, learn and receive care. They serve in hospitals, schools, universities, prisons, workplaces, care homes, the armed forces and many other settings.

Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence as much as proclamation. Chaplains accompany people through moments of joy, uncertainty, crisis and hope, offering compassionate pastoral care to people of every faith and none, while witnessing to the love of Christ through attentive listening, prayer and practical support.

Stepwise: Learning & Growing

Stepwise is the URC’s flexible, mentored learning programme designed to help you explore your faith and your personal calling in daily life. It’s the perfect, low-pressure starting point for anyone wondering “what’s next?”

Explore Stepwise

Speak to Someone (Ministry Enquirers)

Sometimes, just talking it through with someone who understands makes all the difference. You can attend a Ministry Enquirers’ Event, speak with your local minister, or reach out to your Synod’s Vocations Advisor for an informal, supportive chat.

Get in touch about Vocations

Education & Learning

Enabling lifelong learning for all God’s people through resources, opportunities and training

Discover learning opportunities

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PAPER H5 ASSEMBLY EXECUTIVE 2021

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1. 91��Ƭ�� values the contribution of its ministers.

2. For the most part, clarity about who is and who is not an active Minister is easily established. However, there are times when it is important to have a clear definition. This includes such areas as safeguarding, mandatory training and discipline.

3. Even with a clear definition there will be rare instances when it is not entirely clear whether an individual should be defined as an active Minister. The definition provides for this by identifying the synod as arbiter in such instances.

4. Assembly Executive is asked to approve the definition in order to provide clarity as to who has the privileges and responsibilities of being an active Minister.

5. The Roll of Ministers will continue to include others who are rightly listed but not undertaking an active role, mainly retired Ministers who do not wish, or are not able, to remain active.

6. Some external appointments are within the gift of the church to the wider church, such as some Higher Education chaplains, and others are external appointments to which lay and ordained people from any denomination can apply. If a post is the former, then a Minister can apply for that post but should inform their Synod and the Synod shall request the status of active. This addresses the issue of accountability between the church and the ordained.

7. Any Minister who wishes to undertake external appointments to which lay and ordained people from any denomination can apply will need to inform the Synod and the Synod shall request the status of active. This addresses the issue of accountability between the church and the ordained.

8. The category of Active Minister can change within the course of a ministry. In most cases this will be because a minister moves from one kind of ministry to another.

9. Applications that do not fit the given criteria of the policy should be approved by Accreditations Sub-Committee on behalf of Ministries;

10. A minister may move from the active to non-active list for a variety of reasons but still remain on the Roll of Minister. This includes, for example, a minister who informs the Synod that he or she no longer intends to perform the functions of ministry, instances of ill-health determined by an independent occupational health assessment or during a disciplinary process.

11. The Synod will be responsible for updating the list on the URC database as changes occur.

Definition of an Active Minister

A Minister of Word and Sacraments or Church Related Community Worker is considered active if they are on the URC Roll of Ministers and at least one of the following applies.

They are:

1. in a pastorate or post for which they are receiving a stipend (either full or part) from the United Reformed Church (e.g. deployed post, SCM post, Assembly appointment) under the Plan for Partnership;

2. in non-stipendiary service in a recognised ministry post (e.g. model 1, 2, 3 or 4 or Local NS CRCW);

3. exercising a ministry with another organisation within the gift of the church to the wider church to which they have been inducted by the URC where possible (e.g. chaplaincy, educational establishment, ecumenical body) and for which they receive a stipend, salary or serve in a voluntary capacity;

4. in a lay post for which they are receiving a salary not under the Plan for Partnership but where the Synod has requested the status of active;

5. providing recognised voluntary service on behalf of the Church (e.g. Interim Moderator, serving on a synod or area committee, representing the URC on an external body);

6. not in a formal position but whose expertise and experience means that, enjoying the confidence of synod officers, they are asked to undertake pieces of work from time to time;

7. frequently leading worship in a church other than where they are a member (this criterion does not apply in the case of Church Related Community Workers);

8. categories 1-7 but authorised to perform the functions of ministry on a limited basis as specified in an agreement between the General Assembly and the minister and with the approval of the Accreditations Sub-Committee on behalf of Ministries;

9. applications that do not fit the criteria 1-7 which are approved by Accreditations Sub- Committee Committee;

Where there is uncertainty as to whether or not a Minister of Word and Sacraments or Church Related Community Worker falls within any of the seven descriptions given above the judgment shall be made by the Minister’s synod, which may delegate the responsibility to one of its committees. Any appeal against the decision of a synod in this respect should be directed to the Secretary for Ministries.

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Paper H6 Assembly Executive 2021

The policy

1. The purpose of a house for duty policy is to provide a property to a minister of Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Worker (hereafter known as ministers) serving in a non-stipendiary capacity for the better performance of their ministry in places where it might otherwise not be possible. It is not to provide income for ministers but to enable ministry to be offered in places where it might not otherwise be possible.

2. Where a Synod Pastoral Committee (or equivalent) recommends that there are particular circumstances which do not make stipendiary ministry feasible in the short-medium term, or in a particular geographical area where it is difficult to provide ministry, a manse may be provided to a minister on a ‘house for duty’ basis. In the first instance this will be for a period of up to three years and in no circumstances beyond seven years. Before a minister occupies a property on this basis there must be in place an House for Duty License between the Minister and the manse trustees (normally the Synod Trust) and a clear arrangement for housing for the Minister at the end of the term.

3. House for Duty is defined as ‘Sunday duty plus no less than two days per week’ (or x sessions or x hours per week). The minister is provided with a house to live in rent free with the local pastorate (synod if a synod post) paying Council Tax, Water Rates and buildings insurance and being responsible for the maintenance of the property according to the synod manse scheme (if applicable).

4. House for Duty works best if it is seen as an integral part of a proper mission and deployment strategy, certainly at synod level, by which ministers work collaboratively to achieve set goals. It needs to be thought through by all concerned including the Synod Pastoral Committee (or equivalent) and the local pastorate.

5. As those offering themselves for House for Duty posts now come from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences and are of a wide age range, there is great potential for the development of these types of roles in the future. They can be seen as opportunities to take a new approach to ministry and mission in a particular area, introduce changes and prepare congregations for new ways of working in the future. This can include:

• Pioneer Ministry
• the development of Fresh Expressions
• chaplaincy
• a remit to work with specific societal groups or age ranges
• work with children or young people
• the development of community projects
• the development and facilitation of lay ministry training
• as a trouble-shooter on fixed term basis to address specific

It is important that the synod, local pastorate and minister should be actively involved in drawing up any ministry vision (role description) including a review at the outset so that all parties understand what is being agreed to in both the House for Duty Licence and the Terms of Settlement.

6.���� Tax liability����

6.1 Discussions with the Inland Revenue have received the assurance that if a house for duty was provided to a URC minister for the better performance of the duties and the minister provided Sunday duty plus no less than two days per week (or X sessions or X hours a week) there would not be a tax liability for the Minister, Pastorate, synod or Trustee, as the house would be regarded as being provided for the better performance of the duties and Ministry and not a taxable benefit in kind (is traditionally one of those occupations for which this arrangement is permissible and would not be regarded as a benefit in kind).

6.2 If a person is in paid employment and wishes to live in the manse to undertake the duties but cannot satisfy the minimum expectations of time, then it would be regarded as a benefit and taxable.

7. Whilst it is intended that this policy will apply in England, Scotland and Wales,��it is noted that when the date of enactment of the Renting Homes (Wales) (Amendment) Act 2021 is known, the URC will need to take further legal advice.

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Paper H1 Assembly Executive 2022

1.�� Introduction

1.1 The Basis of Union states that: The Lord Jesus Christ continues his ministry in and through the Church, the whole people of God called and committed to his service and equipped by him for To equip his people for this total ministry the Lord Jesus Christ gives particular gifts for particular ministries and calls people to exercise them in offices duly recognised within his Church namely, Ministers of Word and Sacraments, Church Related Community Workers and Elders. Those who enter on such ministries commit themselves to them for so long as God wills.

1.2 The scope of this policy refers to Ministers of Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Workers of the United Reformed Church (hereafter known as ministers).

1.3 The Roll of Ministers lists all individuals who hold status as Ministers of Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Workers of the United Reformed Church.

2. The Policy

2.1 For each individual, the Roll shall specify in accordance with the URC Data Privacy Policy for Ministers:

• The name, address and contact details of the individual;
• The Synod having oversight over the individual;
• The ministry to which that individual has been ordained/commissioned;
• The category of active minister for that individual;
• The date from which that category of ministry applies, normally at movement of one ministry to another.

2.2 A minister is considered active if they are on the URC Roll of Ministers and at least one of the 8 categories of the Active Minister Policy They are:

i) in a pastorate or post for which they are receiving a stipend (either full or part) from the United Reformed Church (e.g. deployed post, SCM post, Assembly appointment) under the Plan for Partnership;

ii) in non-stipendiary service in a recognised ministry post (e.g. model 1, 2, 3 or 4 or Local NS CRCW);

iii) exercising a ministry with another organisation within the gift of the church to the wider church to which they have been inducted by the URC where possible (e.g. chaplaincy, educational establishment, ecumenical body) and for which they receive a stipend, salary or serve in a voluntary capacity;

iv) in a lay post for which they are receiving a salary not under the Plan for Partnership but where the Synod has requested the status of active;

v) providing recognised voluntary service on behalf of the Church (e.g. Interim Moderator, serving on a synod or area committee, representing the URC on an external body);

vi) not in a formal position but whose expertise and experience means that, enjoying the confidence of synod officers, they are asked to undertake pieces of work from time to time;

vii) frequently leading worship in a church other than where they are a member (this criterion does not apply in the case of Church Related Community Workers);

viii) categories 1-7 but authorised to perform the functions of ministry on a limited basis as specified in an agreement between the General Assembly and the minister and with the approval of the Accreditations Sub-Committee on behalf of Ministries

Applications that do not fit the criteria 1-7 which are approved by Accreditations Sub- Committee Committee;

2.3 Upon ordination/commissioning a minister shall normally be entered into category 1 or 2 of the Active Ministers Policy as

2.4 The initial decision as to the category in which each individual minister should be entered shall lie with the relevant Any individual dissatisfied with that initial decision shall be entitled to query the Synod decision with a view to having his or her categorisation amended to his or her satisfaction through discussion. In the event of any such individual remaining dissatisfied with a category in which they have been entered, they shall have the right to appeal to the Accreditations Sub-Committee.

2.5 Once the roll has been compiled, the Ministries Office shall maintain the roll with the assistance of the Synods.

3. Moving within categories of Active Ministers

The category of Active Minister can change within the course of a ministry with the agreement of the Accreditations Sub-Committee at the request of a Synod. In most cases this will be because a minister moves from one kind of ministry to another.

4. Active Ministers on more than one roll

4.1 The 2019 Mission Council Ministers of Word and Sacraments on More than One Roll policy states that a minister cannot be on more than one roll.

4.2 The exception to this is when a minister of another denomination who is received onto the roll of ministers of the United Reformed Church but who remains on the roll of another church may only do so if there are proven cultural, historical or financial reasons for maintaining their status as a minister of an overseas denomination.

4.3 A second exception arises for ministers who had been ordained into the United Reformed Church and the Union of Welsh Independents and are counted on both rolls.

5. Active Ministers on a Limited Basis

5.1 Ministers who are authorised to perform the functions of ministry on a limited basis as specified in an agreement with the approval of the Accreditations Sub-Committee shall��be those ministers who are unable to perform the whole scope of ministerial duties. For example, a minister who

• is unable to serve as a Trustee of a local church. In this case the minister is required to refer the matter to the Synod Moderator who will inform the Secretary for Ministries;

• has a DBS with This will be dealt with by the Secretary for Ministries in consultation with the URC Designated Safeguarding Lead using the normal process;

• exhibits exceptional signs of ill-health outside the scope of the URC’s Sickness Policy for Ministers, In such cases, a minister may not be able to perform the full functions of ministerial duties but can nevertheless have a fruitful ministry. An independent occupational health assessment will be required and will normally be managed by the Synod Moderator in consultation with the MOM Office and the Secretary for Ministries;

• is going through a Capability, Incapacity or Disciplinary process where the Synod Moderator, in consultation with the Synod Safeguarding Officer where appropriate, determines ministry can continue on a limited basis whilst the process is being carried out;

• as an outcome of the Disciplinary Process has limitations put on their ministry by the Assembly Commission in consultation with the Synod Moderator and the Synod Safeguarding Officer where appropriate.

The above list is not exhaustive.

5.2 A Minister who is an Active Minister category 8 may undertake only those functions of ministry which are defined in his or her Agreement between the General Assembly/Synod and the minister

5.3 The Minister shall be entitled to a review (or reviews) of the terms and conditions of the Agreement after expiry of a period (or periods) specified within the Such a review (or reviews) shall be conducted by the Accreditations Sub-Committee at the point(s) indicated in the Agreement.

5.4 The Accreditations Sub-Committee shall inform the minister concerned and the Synod Moderator and, where appropriate the Synod Safeguarding Officer, of the outcome of all such Subject to satisfactory fulfilment of all of the terms and conditions specified in the agreement, the Accreditations Sub-Committee may resolve that the Minister shall be removed from Active Minister category 8 into another category.

5.5 Any individual dissatisfied with that decision shall be entitled to appeal to the Accreditations Sub-Committee with a view to having his or her categorisation amended to his or her satisfaction through In the event of any such individual remaining dissatisfied with a category in which they have been entered shall have the right to appeal to General Assembly using the Appeals process.

6. Moving from Active to Non-Active

The status of Active Minister can change within the course of a ministry to Non-Active Minister with the agreement of the Accreditations Sub-Committee at the request of a Synod. In most cases this will be because the minister will declare to the Synod that they no longer intend to perform the functions of ministry. This may or may not include retired ministers.

7. Non-Active Ministers residing overseas

Ministers residing overseas who wish to stay on the Roll of Ministers will have the designation of non-active and remain under the pastoral care of the last Synod in which they served which is in line with current practice.

8. The Roll and moving away from ministerial service in the URC

8.1 General Assembly 2006 Resolution 25 sets out the process for those ministers who move away from ministerial service in the United Reformed Church without resignation from the Their move should be with the concurrence of the appropriate council of the church. For those in Assembly appointments, the Accreditations Sub-Committee shall act on behalf of General Assembly as the appropriate body to grant or not grant concurrence.

8.2 If concurrence is granted, the minister would remain on the They would remain under the oversight and care of the Synod in which they reside. The minister would be eligible to seek a future pastorate/post within the United Reformed Church upon request to the Synod Moderators.

8.3 If concurrence is not granted and the Minister/CRCW proceeds with the move, the Synod should send a report of the Synod Pastoral Committee (or equivalent) decision to the Accreditations Sub-Committee setting out details of the post the minister has accepted and the reasons why the Synod did not consider it appropriate to give If the Accreditations Sub-committee gives approval for the move, the Minister’s/CRCW’s status would remain as in 8.2 above.

8.4 If the Accreditations Sub-Committee upholds the decision of the Synod, the minister would be deemed to have resigned from the If a minister does not receive concurrence and is removed from the Roll, they would have the right to appeal to General Assembly through the Appeals process.

8.5 If the Accreditations Sub-Committee withholds concurrence, the minister would be deemed to have resigned from the They would have the right to appeal to General Assembly through the Appeals process.

9.�������� Review of Non-Active Ministers

For ministers who move away from ministerial service in the United Reformed Church without resignation from the Roll of Ministers, the Synod should ask the minister at 3 yearly intervals whether this is still the position or whether they should resign.

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Introduction

��Elders are called to share responsibility, with the Minister of the Word and Sacraments, for the spiritual oversight of the congregation. They are ordained into the whole United Reformed Church and inducted to exercise their ministry through their local church. The Elders’ meeting is intended to be a distinctive and vital part of every URC congregation with the Elders collectively possessing the abilities, skills and spiritual gifts of leadership.

The following is a description of what the United Reformed Church can reasonably expect of people who are called to be an Elder. It is expected that anyone called to the office of eldership will exhibit the following four marks:

An Elder in the United Reformed Church should be:

• A faithful disciple of Jesus Christ: caught up in the joy and wonder of God’s will and work; seeking always to live a holy life in public and in private; to be committed to growing in faith and discipleship and developing the gifts each has been given and open to journeying as a disciple with others.
• A person of integrity and prayer: self-aware and committed to their own lifelong learning (especially through the URC’s provision for elders); aware of their own limitations and thus willing to seek support; sustained by their own rhythm of prayer, Bible reading and worship; upholding values of faithfulness, trust and respect.
• A person who cares for others: sharing with others including the minister in offering and sustaining pastoral care; regarding all persons with equal love and concern; rejoicing and grieving with others through listening deeply and offering prayerful support; wise in knowing their limits and boundaries when more specialised help is needed; reliably dealing with issues of safeguarding and confidentiality.
• A person of accountability: committed to serving as an Elder within the conciliar oversight of the church; willing to engage in systems of support for elders; observing proper boundaries in relationships; willing to engage in mandatory training including safeguarding; understands their role as a Trustee (where appropriate) in administering the assets of the church; committed to the United Reformed Church and ready to collaborate with others for its mission in God’s World.

The following is a concise and comprehensive description of what the United Reformed Church can reasonably expect of people who are called collectively to be an Elders Meeting. It is expected that every elder will be committed to ensuring the following marks of��ministry are in place although it is acknowledged that not all elders will embody all of these marks to the same extent:

The Elders’ Meeting collectively should include the following Marks of Ministry:

• Pastorally Caring for others: sharing with others in offering and sustaining pastoral care; regarding all persons with equal love and concern; rejoicing and grieving with others through listening deeply and offering prayerful support; wise in knowing their limits and boundaries when more specialised help is needed; reliably dealing with issues of safeguarding and confidentiality.

• Leadership and collaboration: working collaboratively with Ministers/CRCWs in a team ministry and safeguarding the contribution of the whole church in decision- making processes; sharing in spiritual leadership by praying through and discussing key issues in the life of the church and empowering church members to own and develop the ministry and mission of the fellowship; ensuring that the key functions of the local and wider church are fulfilled.

• A focus upon mission and evangelism: fostering in the congregation concern for witness and service to the community and evangelism at home and abroad; alive to the significance of contexts and cultures in shaping mission to live God’s Kingdom of justice and peace to the full.

• A commitment to participation in the councils of the Church: responsive to God’s call as gift and blessing to be lived out within the discipline and accountability of the denomination which ordains them and the pastorates into which they are inducted to serve.

• A commitment to the church always being renewed able to help congregations to discern and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as new chapters open in the life of the Church and others close.

*Or the Council fulfilling the functions of an Elders Meeting in an LEP

November 2022��

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A Minister of Word and Sacraments in the United Reformed Church should be:

• ��A faithful disciple of Jesus Christ: caught up in the joy and wonder of God’s will and work; seeking always to live a holy life in public and in private; sustained by their own rhythm of prayer, Bible reading and worship so that they might model and encourage such life-long patterns in others with integrity; open to learning discipleship from others.

• A person of integrity and resilience: self-aware and committed to their own lifelong learning (especially through the URC’s provision for ministers); aware of their own limitations and thus willing to seek support; ready to deal with situations of conflict; balancing ministry’s joys and pains with the fostering of right relationships with family and friends.
• A contextual theologian: delighting in Scripture, rooted in the Reformed tradition, able to communicate their own faith and its implications within and beyond congregations; encouraging others to discover how these rich resources inspire and sustain faithfulness.

• A worship leader and preacher: able to craft and lead worship that shows appreciation for the Sacraments and the resources of many traditions and styles yet unafraid to create and advocate new forms as appropriate; passionate and effective in breaking open God’s Word in preaching; ready and able to foster skills, techniques and experience in others so that they might lead worship and preach well.

• A pastor: sharing with others, especially Elders, in sustaining care; making time to walk in love alongside people; rejoicing and grieving with others through listening deeply and offering prayerful support; wise in knowing their limits and boundaries when more specialised help is needed; reliably dealing with issues of safeguarding and confidentiality.

• A leader and collaborator: identifying, developing, and enabling leadership in others, particularly Elders; capable of working in, and leading, teams through collaborative and shared leadership; aware of their own leadership style and open to learning with and from others, when necessary acknowledging their own mistakes and seeking restoration; committed and equipped to building up others in faith and witness so that the gifts and callings of all might flourish; demonstrating love for God’s people.

• A missionary and evangelist: passionate about and active in sharing the love of God for the world; alive to the significance of contexts and cultures in shaping mission and creative in discovering missional opportunities; empowering and equipping God’s people in mission to share the Gospel and live God’s Kingdom of justice and peace to the full.

• A public figure: reliable and effective in representing the Church in ecumenical, community and wider settings; committed to and equipped in speaking truth to power and challenging injustice and marginalisation wherever they may be found.

• A communicator: who uses written, spoken and other modes with clarity and grace to share faith and build up relationships and communities; helping others to find their voice.

• A committed participant in the councils of the Church: responsive to God’s call as gift and blessing to be lived out within the discipline and accountability of the denomination which trains, ordains and inducts them and the pastorates and ministries within which they serve.
• A reformer: wise in the dynamics and challenges of change; bold yet humble in helping individuals and congregations to discern and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as new chapters open in the life of the Church and others close.

Mission Council May 2019

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��The following is a concise and comprehensive description of what the United Reformed Church can reasonably expect of people who are called to be a Worship Leader or a Lay Preacher.

It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and it is not expected that every Worship Leader or Lay Preacher will exhibit all of these marks. It is acknowledged that what this will look like in each Worship Leader or Lay Preacher will vary depending on the context, the individual, and the specific ministry to which they are called.

Both a Worship Leader and a Lay Preacher in the United Reformed Church (URC) seeks to be:

• A faithful disciple of Jesus Christ: caught up in the joy and wonder of God’s will and work; seeking always to live a holy life in public and in private; sustained by their own rhythm of prayer, Bible reading and worship; open to journeying as a disciple with others.
• A person of accountability: committed to serving as a lay preacher within the conciliar oversight of the church; willing to engage in systems of support and mentoring for Worship Leaders and Lay Preachers; willing to engage in mandatory training including safeguarding; ready to collaborate with others for the mission of God.
• A crafter of worship: sensitive to the many traditions and styles within the church yet confident to create and advocate new forms as appropriate by combining theological and liturgical knowledge and understanding with technical and practical skills; able to administer the Sacraments if authorised to do so.
• A preacher: passionate and effective in breaking open God’s Word in preaching; to be relevant in the world whilst retaining their prophetic edge to equip God’s people in their mission and discipleship to share the Gospel and to live God’s Kingdom of justice and peace to the full.
• A lifelong learner: self-aware and committed to lifelong learning reflecting and re- examining the message they communicate; aware of their own strengths, gifts and limitations and thus willing to seek support when and where necessary; making use of the URC provision for on-going training for lay preachers.
• A contextual theologian: delighting in Scripture rooted in the Reformed tradition; able to communicate their own faith and its implications; able to encourage others to discover how these rich resources inspire and sustain faithfulness.
• A pastor: demonstrates pastoral care through preaching and prayer; confidently adapts when pastoral circumstances dictate.
• A public figure: reliable and effective in representing the Church in preaching and/or service reading.
• A reformer: able to help congregations to discern and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as new chapters open in the life of the Church and others close.

Mission Council March 2021

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Paper H2 Assembly Executive 2022����

1. Introduction

1.1 91��Ƭ�� is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all within our church 91��Ƭ�� recognises the importance of carefully selecting, training and supporting all those with any responsibility within the Church.

1.2 Not all those who train on the URC CMS course will go on to seek Those who do will need to follow the process as outlined in point.

1.3 The process for accreditation is based on a similar process used for the accreditation of Assembly Accredited Lay It is therefore an established process.

2. What are Assembly Accredited Lay Pioneers?

Assembly Accredited Lay Pioneers will focus either

a) on cultivating new Christian communities such as Fresh Expressions or New Missional Communities through contextual mission in a local They will normally be based within a local pastorate, working under the supervision of the minister or interim Moderator.

b) engage in mission in a specific context to develop new Christian communities. While they may work in a pastorate setting, they may also work across multiple contexts or develop a new community outside the existing pastorate structure. ��They may be supervised by their minister or interim Moderator or by the person assigned by the Synod to give support and oversight.

c) engaging in wider new forms of While they may work from a pastorate setting, they may also work across multiple contexts or outside the existing pastorate structure. They may be supervised by their minister or interim Moderator or by the person assigned by the Synod to give support and oversight.

3. The process

3.1 Those thinking of becoming an Assembly Accredited Lay Pioneer should, where possible,

a) have completed CMS Certificate Course in Lay Pioneering through the Newbigin Hub or an equivalent training programme;

b) be a URC church member for at least one year;

c) contact the Ministries Office for a registration form plus copies of The Marks of Ministry of an Assembly Accredited Lay Pioneer and URC Guidelines for the Conduct and Behaviour of Lay Pioneers

d) have a conversation with their minister/interim moderator, Training Officer or equivalent and the Synod Moderator about their proposed sphere of ministry;

e) agree for their names to go forward to Church Meeting (or equivalent) for agreement;

f) agree for their names to go forward to the Synod Pastoral Committee (or equivalent) for agreement

3.2 The Synod Pastoral Committee should send in the Application Form with a copy of both the Church Meeting and Synod Pastoral Committee minute and complete their part of the Accreditation Form (known as the Green Form).

3,3 Once received the Ministries Office will:

a) Take up references;

b) should these no give cause for concern then the Ministries Office would organise the DBS/PVG; if there is a blemish this will be followed up the Ministries Office as per the usual

3.4 Applicants will

a) attend the in person You’re Welcome: An Ethos and History of the URC course held at Westminster College, Cambridge

b) will undergo safeguarding training and other mandatory training appropriate to their role as well as further training which the denomination shall determine from time to time.

3.5 Once 2.3 is completed, the Ministries Office will inform the Synod that a commissioning service may take place.

Last updated: December 2022

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