The ministry of preaching
As the church grows and responds to the needs of mission and ministry, more and more people have become involved in the ministry of preaching, with the support of their clergy, their licensed lay ministers, and their congregations. The ministry of Authorised Local Preacher is a response to this need and an opportunity to invite more people to participate in the church's ministry.
The Authorised Local Preacher
Preaching has always been at the heart of the life of the church and a focus for its mission and ministry. The Bishops wish to be linked with those who share in the ministry of preaching and to offer encouragement and support by giving their authorisation for this ministry. The ministry of authorised local preacher is exercised under the responsibility of the incumbent who, with the congregation, will have discerned the gift of preaching in one of their number.
The Process for Authorisation
1. If someone feels called to be authorised as a local preacher, we would usually expect them to test that call by “having a go” at delivering a sermon, with their incumbent’s approval and with supervision from an experienced preacher, up to four times over the period of about a year.
2. Then, if the decision is taken to proceed, your PSO (Parish Safeguarding Officer) will provide you with the relevant CofE Confidential Declaration Form to complete. Once they have received and reviewed your completed CofE Confidential Declaration Form they will then initiate a Basic DBS Check. The PSO will need to send us confirmation that this has been completed.
3. You will need to ensure that you have the relevant CofE Safeguarding Training certificates:
- Basic Awareness
- Foundation
- Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse (dated within the last three years)
- Leadership (dated within the last three years)
For more information about Church of England Safeguarding Training please contact The Diocesan Safeguarding Team by emailing safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org
4. Incumbents (or in a vacancy, the Area Dean) should download the ALP Application by clicking here. This can be filled in and sent to the Area Office even before the safeguarding requirements above are completed.
5. The Area Bishop sends out a letter of authorisation. The ALP may be commissioned in an act of worship and may commence their regular preaching ministry.
This authorisation lasts for three years. In that time the ALP should complete or at least begin the Course in Christian Studies, or an equivalent course, if not already completed and attend four preaching workshops organised by the diocese.
Authorised Local Preachers are welcome to training events held for ministers by the Diocese of Chelmsford. You can find details here and here.
Sometimes, training events specifically targeted for the continual ministerial development of Authorised Local Preachers are held. You will find details below.