91ÖÆƬ³§

Ministry lies at the heart of the Church’s participation in the mission of God. Every Christian is called through baptism to share in Christ’s ministry, using the gifts God has given for the service of the Church and the transformation of the world. Some are called to particular forms of recognised ministry, but all are called to witness, to serve and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

91ÖÆƬ³§ recognises a rich diversity of ministries, each contributing in different ways to the life and mission of the Church. Some ministries are ordained, some are commissioned, and many are exercised by lay people whose gifts sustain and enrich the life of local congregations every day.

Discerning God’s call is not simply about finding a role that suits our skills or interests. It is about listening together for where God is calling us to serve, and allowing the Church to help test and affirm that calling. Every ministry is different, but each shares the same purpose: to participate in God’s mission of bringing hope, justice, reconciliation and new life.

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.

Many people describe God’s call not as a dramatic moment but as a quiet, persistent invitation. It may begin with a growing sense that God is asking something new of you, an increasing awareness of particular gifts, or the encouragement of others who recognise those gifts in you.

Discerning a vocation is not something we do alone. 91ÖÆƬ³§ believes that calling is tested and affirmed within the worshipping community. Through prayer, conversation, experience and reflection, we seek together to recognise where God is leading.

You do not need to have every answer before taking the first step. Whether you are wondering about ordained ministry, lay leadership, community work or another form of service, the important thing is simply to begin the conversation. God continues to call women and men, young and old, from every walk of life to share in Christ’s ministry today.

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

If you are beginning to wonder whether God may be calling you to a particular ministry, we would love to help you explore that possibility. Speak to your minister or church elders, contact your Synod, or get in touch with the Ministries Team.

Together we can help you discern where God may be leading and how your gifts might be used in the service of Christ and his Church.

Are you an active URC minister, elder, or lay leader looking for official policies, the Ministers’ Handbook, or pension documents? All administrative guidelines, capability processes, and conduct policies have moved to our dedicated Resource Hub.

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Ministerial Standing & Formal Procedures

While our general resources have moved to the Hub, the formal policies governing ministerial standing, the Roll of Ministers, and official processes remain anchored here for quick reference. Click any of the links below to view or download the official guidelines directly from the Resource Hub.

Retired Ministers’ Housing Society

The RMHS looks after retired or former URC ministers or their widowed partners who, due to age, ill health, disability or financial hardship, are in need of housing or housing assistance

A guide to the pension fund.