Diocese of Chichester

The service was led by Bishop of Ruth and reflected the growing number of people exploring lay ministry through diocesan training pathways.

Pastoral care, worship, chaplaincy, children’s ministry, and church music are amongst the areas covered by the scheme which affirms lay people in their work alongside clergy.

Greg Moore, Officer for Lay Ministry and Training, said today: “For many people these courses are not simply educational but transformative. They are helping people grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and discover new ways to serve God and their communities.”

Watch the video to hear about the aim of the programme and listen to what some of the lay people say about the course.  Click here: 

Among those commissioned was Dan Elms from St Mary’s Rye, who completed the Traditional Church Music in Worship pathway. He described the course as both spiritually enriching and practical, helping him deepen his understanding of church music while strengthening links between choir and congregation. “It’s about honouring the past while helping shape the future of worship,” he said.

Leonie WElls Leonie Wells is an intern at St Andrew’s Church, West Tarring, and found the course both practical and deeply meaningful. She chose the Pastoral Ministry pathway alongside her work with children and families. She said: “The ALM course has equipped me with both the confidence and the skills to contribute more fully. It has deepened my faith and affirmed my commitment to offering compassionate support to those within our parish.”

Mark Rowland Mark Rowland, who serves within chaplaincy at Gatwick Airport, said the course had strengthened his vocation of pastoral presence and listening. “Even quiet moments of listening and reassurance can be part of God’s work,” he reflected. Leonie Wells, a pastoral intern at St Andrew’s, West Tarring, said the Pastoral Ministry pathway had deepened both her confidence and faith, particularly through sessions exploring grief, loss, and compassionate support.

The commissioning service reflected the continuing expansion of lay ministry training across the Diocese with a newly launched prospectus now offering17 courses and 12 elective pathways, including new options in children’s ministry and leading intercessions, providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore how God may be calling them to serve.

Also a newly refreshed Bishop’s Certificate one year course has attracted nearly 90 participants in its first year. The course offers an accessible introduction to Christian faith, scripture, and theology through worship, discussion, and shared learning.