Information and Guidelines for Parishes on Occasional Preachers
Overview
Occasional Preachers (OPs) contribute to the preaching ministry of a parish/benefice, within a diocesan framework which includes ‘having a go’, authorisation, affirmed, initial training, commissioned, supervision and ongoing development. They preach up to an agreed maximum number of times each year (usually 1-5 times).
Potential OPs are identified through shared discernment with their incumbent and PCC. Discernment takes place prior to enrolment on an OP course, initially this would be a conversation with the incumbent and the potential OP and may also involve contact with the Assistant Director of Lay Ministry to advise further.
The Ministry of an Occasional Preacher
Preaching the gospel is an influential part of the Church’s Ministry. It is a delight and a privilege and is a key part of the Church’s mission (See James 3:1). It is also an important and responsible task requiring a depth of Christian experience and understanding. That is why we want to equip those who preach in public worship and help them reflect on their preaching. For this reason, the Canons of the Church require a lay person to have the permission of the Bishop to preach, as well as their incumbent. The OP pathway is an ‘entry level’ pathway, with OPs preaching periodically as part of a wider team.
The Bishops permission as an Occasional Preacher is not required for certain kinds of infrequent preaching, such as: ‘have a go preaching’ for those discerning vocation; one-off specialist or special interest speakers; preachers licensed in other denominations; speakers at All Age or youth services; or representatives of organisations supported by the parish. These are covered by a general authorisation (under Canon B18), with supervision provided by the incumbent where appropriate.
Permission and selection
Under the diocesan OP scheme, OPs preach under the authority and supervision of the incumbent, with the Diocesan Bishops permission and the consent of the PCC. OPs are authorised to preach less frequently than Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) and do so in accordance with diocesan directions approved by the Bishop (under Canon B18).
This is different to Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs), who have a ministry in the wider church (recognised explicitly by canon) and are licensed by the Bishop to carry out their ministry. LLMs are required to undergo extensive training (in accordance with Canons E4-E5, which refer to ‘sufficient knowledge of the Holy Scripture and of the doctrine and worship of the Church of England’).
Candidates need to meet the following discernment criteria:
- Potential or a gift for preaching
- Sufficient Christian experience and understanding
- Good standing in the parish
- Been a worshipping member of the congregation for at least six months.
Candidates potentially meeting these criteria should consult with their incumbent. If both agree to explore further, Enhanced DBS clearance should be obtained. Candidates should then be provided with one or more opportunities to ‘have a go’ at preaching (or giving an equivalent talk in a church setting), if this has not already happened. If the incumbent is satisfied the OP pathway is appropriate, consent will be sought from the PCC. Consent will be conditional on the requisite training and a working agreement. Permission to preach can be withdrawn at the incumbent’s discretion.
Initially you will receive a letter from the Bishop giving you permission to preach for a provisional period of 2 years. During this time you will be able to preach legally but also undertake some initial training. The exercise of public ministry of this kind brings with it accountabilities to the wider church, so you will also be asked to meet with a Ministry Accompanier, to support you and provide an independent reference. You will also be required to have an up to date DBS and have completed Safeguarding training.
Training arrangements
The OP training course comprises four evening sessions (which may be delivered online by Zoom) and a 2 full days (in-person). If permission has already been sought and granted by the Diocesan Bishop this course may still be a good refresher and support for ongoing development.
OP training course topics are as follows:
Evening sessions (these may be delivered online using Zoom):
- Biblical studies (Overview of Old Testament and New Testament)
- Growing in faith (Gospels and St Paul’s epistles)
- Discipleship and Spiritual development, Theological reflection
- The Art of preaching 1
Full day sessions:
- Preaching or Teaching? Thinking about Sermons
- The Art of Preaching 2
Course assessment includes:
- 1500-word (or equivalent) assignment on preaching
- Three sermons, with constructive feedback on preaching from members of your church over a period of 1 year.
- Full day session includes delivering homilies and giving and receiving feedback from tutors and students.
For the 1500-word assignment, candidates may attempt any assignment from the preaching course you attend, or one of the following:
- What’s the difference between preaching and teaching?
- Is there still a place for preaching in Christian worship today? (Answer with reference to biblical, theological, and cultural perspectives)
- What makes preaching ‘biblical’?
- Choose 2 Biblical Characters and discuss that how they may inform contemporary models of preaching?
- Why do we preach? What are the purposes of this form of delivery and how can it be most effective?
- Using three of your sermons, show how the way you preach reflects your understanding of preaching – or how your understanding of preaching has changed.
Be sure to reference at least one or two books on preaching (see suggested reading below for ideas). You will need to reference more if submitting this for a formal academic award.
Alternative forms of assessment (e.g. through group presentation, 1:1 conversation) are always possible – please just ask.
It is also strongly recommended that OP participate in the Bishops Certificate course. In exceptional cases, candidates with a solid theological grounding may be exempted from certain aspects of the training pathway. This will be assessed as part of the selection process through an interview with the course tutor, taking account of the incumbent’s views.
All candidates must complete online safeguarding courses: Basic Awareness, Foundation and Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse within a year of starting the course.
Affirming and working agreements
Affirming this role will take place locally in a service of public worship. In addition, on successful completion of the required training, participants will receive a certificate.
OPs will discuss with their incumbent the scope and frequency of their role, including the maximum number of times they will preach each year (usually 1-5). A working agreement will be drawn up accordingly and reviewed (usually annually). Permission to preach can be withdrawn at the incumbent’s or diocesans discretion.
Supervision, support and ministerial development
The incumbent is responsible for ensuring there is regular supervision and appropriate mentoring of OPs in their charge, with OPs functioning as members of a local team. OPs will be expected to join a wider diocesan learning community of OPs and engage in continual in-service training, to deepen theological understanding and hone preaching skills, making use of opportunities from Discipleship and Ministry courses.
Some may go on to train as Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) or be considered for ordained ministry, and for this the process outlined through the Vocations Department must be followed.
To take this further:
- Incumbents meet with potential OPs to discern whether this might be an appropriate pathway to explore
- Incumbents contact Discipleship and Ministry department to register a candidate
- Enquirers contact Discipleship and Ministry and request and complete a Registration Form to reserve a place on the course
- References taken up and PCC consent obtained,
For further information and to have an initial conversation, email Carol Coslett, Assistant Director of Lay Ministry: [email protected]
