“It is a real joy watching people gently and naturally networking with each other and making those connections and finding support in and through each other.” Ronnie Crossman, Ministry Training Team Leader for Bath and Wells, reflected on the Lay Ministry Day at Flourish House, Wells, which brought together Lay Commended Ministers from across the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
The event offered an opportunity for lay ministers to celebrate, pray, and learn together as well as to encourage one another. Bishop Fiona, who joined participants for the day of worship, reflection and fellowship, said, “It was a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for all that God is doing through lay ministry across Bath and Wells. It's been a brilliant day and great to have so many different lay ministers from across the whole diocese. They fulfil an amazing range of roles within our churches and it has been wonderful to see the commitment and the dedication as well as the encouragement they've found from being together and being prayed for and praying with one another.”
The day included the opportunity to come together in prayer and there were opportunities to take part in workshops designed to deepen understanding of ministry. Information on courses and pathways into different ministries, offered the chance to explore and consider other ministries. Graham Price, is a Lay Worship Assistant in the Waterside Benefice Radstock. He said, “It’s been very informative. There’ve been a few things I didn’t know, and a few things I’ve learned. I’ve only been a Lay Worship Assistant for the last couple of years, and so I just want to keep learning, progressing, and moving forward. This has really encouraged me to do that.”
It’s a view echoed by Darren Chalmers, Lay Patoral Assistant at St Andrew’s Church, Taunton who said of the day, “It’s been very encouraging, very powerful. I wanted to come today to celebrate Lay Ministries within the diocese. I’m a Pastoral Assistant and a Lay Worship Assistant in my parish where I serve, so it was a great opportunity to be part of the day.”
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and learn about the different contexts in which each person ministers. Ruth Cook, has been a Reader for a number of years, but still felt the day offered her opportunities to develop her ministry, “It’s been very helpful. I’ve got some good practical tips for preparing services and things that I did know, but I’d forgotten, that it was good to be reminded of.”
For more information about lay ministry visit the Lay ministry pages of the Bath and Wells website