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 Parish Safeguarding Officer will need to run a basic DBS check and confirm to us that this has been completed. As part of this process, a full confidential declaration will be required.
3. You will need to complete the following Safeguarding training:
Basic awareness (if you haven’t completed this before)
Foundation (if you haven't completed this before)
Raising awareness of domestic abuse (this needs to be done every three years)
Leadership level 1 & 2 (this needs to be done every three years)
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. Once “safer recruitment” is fulfilled (completing points 2, 3 and 4 above constitutes “safer recruitment” for this role), the Area Bishop will send 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.
For more information about Church of England Safeguarding Training please visit our Safeguarding Training webpage or contact The Diocesan Safeguarding Team by emailing safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org or calling 01245 294438 or 01245 294490.
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.