Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs) and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs or Readers) are vital roles in the Church, set apart to bring defined ministry support to their parish.
What are LLMs and ALMs?
ALMs are trained lay people, active in church life, who have a particular vocation, special interest or skill that can be an integral part of their church’s ministry.
ALMs are nominated by their incumbent and Parochial Church Council (PCC) to be trained and equipped in preparation for being ‘commissioned’ by the Bishop. After this service, they will carry out an agreed ministry role within their local parish context.
LLMs, or Readers, are licensed by their Bishop to a teaching and preaching ministry, both within the church and outside its traditional boundaries. Called by God and trained in theology, they bring their life experience, skills and knowledge to their Christian service. LLMs often have a role in equipping other Christians to grow as disciples in their places of daily living.
Am I called to lay ministry?
If you think God may be calling you to one of these ministries, talk to your parish priest in the first instance, who can help you discern your call and advise on next steps.
Help and Support
You might find the following links helpful:
Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers)
Continuing Ministerial Formation
Diocesan Counselling Provision