This ministry is for congregations without regular resident clergy who are looking to designate an individual “to exercise pastoral or administrative responsibility in a congregation under special circumstances, as defined by the Bishop.” (Title IV.4.3) This person fills operational and pastoral roles that are separate, but complementary, to the responsibilities fulfilled by the senior warden. The specific duties and responsibilities are articulated in a job description developed by the senior warden in consultation with the Canon Missioner/Canon to the Ordinary, and approved by the bishop. The Canon to the Ordinary/Canon Missioner will design a program of training and formation to fit the particular role and needs of the individual on a case-by-case basis.

Every two years, the Canon Missioner/Canon to the Ordinary will facilitate a Mutual Ministry Review with the Pastoral Leader, wardens, and vestry and in consultation with the bishop.

This ministry is for laity who regularly lead public worship, in the absence of an ordained clergyperson. Training for this license will take place at the diocesan level. 

Individuals seeking a renewal are expected to participate in continuing education. Opportunities for diocesan-offered sessions will be announced as they are available. Alternatively, those seeking renewal may take the Worship Leader Training full courses or consult with their Canon to the Ordinary/Canon Missioner about other options.

Parish clergy are empowered to ask anyone to preach for a single occasion. Lay members who are going to preach on a regular basis, whether there is a resident clergy or not, are expected to be appropriately equipped and commissioned by the bishop to preach in the diocese. 

Individuals for whom this is a new ministry are to complete the lay preaching curriculum through the Academy for Vocational Leadership, or a similar formation program approved by the bishop. The lay preaching class at the Academy involves a year of both biblical studies and homiletics, which can be taken either sequentially or simultaneously. Individuals who are renewing their license must submit documentation detailing their engagement of continuing education coursework, which include one day-long diocesan-sponsored workshop or some other engagement in homiletics or scripture as discussed with your Canon to the Ordinary/Canon Missioner.  

Learn more about the Academy and the preaching series on the Eastern Michigan website and on the Western Michigan website.

This person is authorized to, “administer the Consecrated Elements [bread or wine] at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist.” (Title III.4.6). Training will be occasionally offered at the diocesan level, but it may take place within the parish under the leadership of local clergy. Learning topics should should include:

1. Mechanics of distribution, including diocesan best practices around intinction and the common cup
2. Basic introduction to Episcopal sacramental theology
3. Liturgical presence

This ministry is for individuals who are, “authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration.” (Title III.4.7)

1. Mechanics of distribution, including diocesan best practices around intinction and the common cup
2. Basic introduction to Episcopal sacramental theology
3. Review of the diocesan policy for Safe Church, Safe Communities regarding ministering to Vulnerable Adults
4. Ministry of Presence (what it is and is not)

These ministries involve individuals who are commissioned to:

1. Catechist – “prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation.” (Title III.4.8)
2. Evangelist – “present the good news of Jesus Christ in such a way that people are led to receive Christ as Savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fellowship of the Church. An Evangelist assists with the community’s ministry of evangelism.” (Title III.4.9)

Those interested in being commissioned for one of these roles should enter discussion with their local clergy about the possibility and development of mutual expectations for formation. If the congregation does not have clergy, they should contact their Canon to the Ordinary/Canon Missioner. Once the agreed-upon training has been completed, the licensee may fill out the online license request form. 

Bishop Singh is open to other licenses not already included on this list. Please contact your Canon to the Ordinary or Canon Missioner to connect about whether there are other ministries that you feel ought to receive a similar commission.

“I take great joy in signing the license certificates, as they are a tangible expression of a ministry that someone is taking up to put their baptismal gifts and authority to the service of God and their congregation.”