Is authorised lay ministry for you? Applications closing soon
Places for the September 2026 Authorised Lay Ministry (ALM) intake are filling quickly! If you feel called to serve your parish and enrich local church life, apply before the 12 August 2026 deadline. Although late applications may be considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to help us with planning and administration.
The ALM programme provides flexible, skills-based training designed for lay individuals called to serve in public ministry. Covering everything from pastoral support to church music and youth work, ALMs work alongside clergy to enrich parish life and nurture the gifts of local congregations.
Greg Moore, Officer for Lay Ministry and Training, said:
"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."
Leonie Wells, a pastoral intern at St Andrew’s, West Tarring, completed the Pastoral Ministry pathway. "The ALM course has equipped me with both confidence and skills," she said. "It has deepened my faith and affirmed my commitment to offering compassionate support to those within our parish."
Dan Elms from St Mary’s Rye completed the Traditional Church Music pathway to help bridge choir and congregation: "It’s about honouring the past while helping shape the future of worship."
Mark Rowland, serving at Gatwick Airport, reflected on how the course strengthened his everyday ministry and as an Airport Chaplain: "Even quiet moments of listening and reassurance can be part of God’s work."
The updated syllabus now offers 12 specialist electives across 17 courses, including two newly introduced pathways:
- Catechists
- Chaplaincy
- Children's Ministry(NEW)
- Care for Creation & Eco Church
- Leading Intercessions(NEW)
- Mission Enabler
- Pastoral Ministry
- Preaching(Eligibility criteria apply)
- Rural Ministry
- Traditional Music in Worship
- Worship & Liturgy
- Youth work
Courses consist of 4 to 12 sessions running between September and April, held on weeknight evenings or weekends.
Practical and written assignments are non-graded and designed for all educational backgrounds.
The £50 course fee is completely free for unwaged individuals, retirees, and students (parishes are encouraged to cover candidate costs).
Open to anyone aged 18 or older at the time of commissioning.
How to apply before the August deadline
If you feel called to serve your parish and grow in confidence, applications for the September 2026 intake close on 12th August 2026.
- Speak to your vicar or PCC: Candidates must be baptised, confirmed, on the electoral roll, and nominated by their Parochial Church Council (PCC).
- Download the prospectus: View full course details on the official Diocese of Chichester ALM Page.
- Submit your completed forms.