As some go through a process of discernment, they may find themselves called to one of the lay licensed ministries or to ordained ministry. The licensed ministries are an expression of a particular commitment of being an active parishioner, require at least some training, can often involve more responsibility, and are carried out under the oversight of the Priest-in-charge and the Bishop.

The Bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe oversees the processes for becoming an ordained minister, and issues licenses for those kinds of ministry requiring oversight. Some of these processes must also conform to requirements of the Church known as Canons – that is, the guides and rules of The Episcopal Church as an entity, and as a result of the acts of the regulatory body of the Church, known as General Convention, over the years.

Two groups assist the Bishop in discharging this supervisory role. These groups consist of appointed members. They are:

COMB — Commission on Ministry of the Baptized

The role of COMB members is to oversee the actual discernment process for the ordained ministry of Priest and Deacon. For those exploring a vocation to be a Priest or Deacon, COMB journeys both with the individual and the parish/mission, providing resources for those whose job it is to assist in the discernment process i.e., clergy, discernment committee members, Vestry members, etc.

EICS — European Institute for Christian Studies

The role of EICS is to assess, facilitate and deliver the various kinds of training both for lay and ordained ministries.

For those called to a lay or ordained ministry, it is important to speak with your Priest who will enable you to explore the path of discernment. For those called to lay ministries, the Priest will communicate directly with the Bishop. For those exploring a calling to be a Priest or Deacon, COMB will be contacted.

Training for licensing

Canon III: Ministry of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church provides the rubrics for ministry. Like each Diocese of The Episcopal Church, the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe has its own specific applications of the canon on ministry. The Bishop of the Convocation invites those Priests with legal responsibility for a parish or mission to discern to which of the licensed ministries a person is called. The Priest informs the Vestry/Bishop’s Committee and then commends the person to the Bishop for licensing. The Bishop will refer the person to the European Institute of Christian Studies (EICS) so that the individual’s training needs may be assessed. EICS will assess the training needs and advise the Bishop how much training will be required. Prior learning is taken into account. The Bishop may license the person to a ministry while training is on-going.

How to get started

You will have thought about your decision to follow your call, you will have prayed about it and you may have discussed it with your partner or friends. The very first practical step in the process is to prepare a personal statement. This document is the basis for your initial discussion, which will be with your Priest. The statement will contain your vital information, your background, your educational qualifications, your personal and professional obligations, your affiliations and your motivation.

The material contained in your completed personal statement will assist your Priest in guiding you forward and will be a part of your discernment process. The information you provide will be available to the Bishop, to the various persons, boards, committees and institutions that will become involved in your development and formation.

We recommend familiarizing yourself with the various ministries as outlined in this document – whether seeking discernment yourself or assisting or supporting someone else in discernment – in order to have a broad sense of the possibilities, qualifications and expectations of the various ordained and licensed lay ministries.

Ministries in The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church has maintained the threefold order of ordained ministry of Bishops, Priests and Deacons which has characterized Christ’s One, Holy and Apostolic Church since its earliest days.

For those discerning a possible call to the Priesthood, the ministry of this order is:

1. To proclaim in preaching and in personal life the Gospel of Jesus Christ
2. To preside at the celebration of the Eucharist and administer the Sacraments
3. To bless and declare forgiveness of sins in the name of God
4. To share with the Bishop and other Clergy (Priests and Deacons) and the Laity in the decision-making bodies of the church – Council of Advice, Convocation/Diocesan Convention and General Convention.

Further information about exploring a vocation to the Priesthood can be found in Called to Ministry: Part II – Holy Orders.

For those discerning a possible call to the Diaconate, the ministry of this order is:

1. To make Christ and his redemptive love known to the world, and to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns and hopes of the world
2. To proclaim both in the ministration of God’s Word and Sacraments, and in one’s personal life the Gospel of Jesus Christ
3. To share with the Bishop and other Clergy and Laity in the in the decision-making bodies of the church – Council of Advice, Convocation/Diocesan Convention and General Convention.
4. councils of the Church.

Further information about exploring a vocation to the Diaconate can be found at Called to Ministry: Part II – Holy Orders.

For those discerning a possible call to Lay Ministry, there are seven ministries in The Episcopal Church which require the license of the Bishop:

1. Pastoral Leader
2. Worship Leader
3. Preacher
4. Catechist
5. Eucharistic Visitor
6. Evangelist
7. Eucharistic Minister

1.    Pastoral Leader

A Pastoral Leader is authorized to exercise pastoral responsibility, lead public worship and preach within a specific congregation where no clergy leadership is present. It is a role that may include significant administrative responsibilities. Congregations in need of a Pastoral Leader will be identified by the Bishop as the circumstances arise.

Read more about Pastoral Leader Licensing

2.    Worship Leader

A Worship Leader is authorized to lead Morning and Evening Prayer in a congregation with permission of the Bishop and under the direct supervision of the Clergy or a Pastoral Leader.

Read more about Worship Leader Licensing

3.    Preacher

A Preacher is authorized to preach with permission of the Bishop and under the direct supervision of the Clergy or a Pastoral Leader.

Read more about Preacher Licensing

4.    Catechist

A Catechist is authorized to prepare people for baptism, confirmation, reception or the reaffirmation of baptismal vows with permission of the Bishop and under the direct supervision of the Clergy or a Pastoral Leader. 

Read more about Catechist Licensing

5.    Evangelist

An Evangelist works with and is supervised by the Clergy, primarily within the context of their own congregation, to inspire, encourage and equip others to be effective witnesses to the Good News. Evangelists must be comfortable sharing their own faith stories in order to draw others to God.

Read more about Evangelist licensing

6.    Eucharistic Visitor

A Eucharistic Visitor is a layperson authorized to take Holy Communion following the service to members of the congregation unable to be present. Eucharistic Visitors should act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise under the Priest or a Pastoral Leader. 

Read more about Eucharistic Visitor licensing

7.    Eucharistic Minister

A Eucharistic Minister is authorized to administer the Chalice at a Celebration of the Holy Communion. Eucharistic Ministers should act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise under the Priest. 

read more about Eucharistic minister licensing

Ministries not requiring a Bishop’s License

Lector

A Lector is a parishioner trained and appointed by the Member of the Clergy to read the Lessons, lead the Psalm, or lead the Prayers of the People.

Intercessor

An Intercessor is a person responsible for preparation and delivery of the Prayers of the People.

Usher

Ushers welcome newcomers, distribute bulletins, assist in seating and guide the congregation during distribution of Communication.

Altar Guild

Altar Guild members prepare and maintain supplies and vessels used during Eucharistic services.

Others

Congregation members are encouraged to participate in committees, such as Stewardship and Outreach. Acolytes and Crucifers assist as directed during services.

Summary of process for licensed ministries

Note: In this document the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith will be identified simply as “local clergy.”

> Next: Section 2: Licensed Ministries