Lay Reader Ministry

[bootygirl]

Anyone a Lay Reader, I have felt a sense of calling for a few years and think I am ready to take the plunge and consider reaching out to my rector about this. Just wondering if anyone has any experience?

My dad is one. He's a mum better so I'll get him to comment.

@Toddlerteaplease thank you

Hi bootygirl. Toddlers Dad here.
I will try to give you some idea of things to consider about Reader Ministry.
I've been a churchgoer all of my life and a Reader for about 15 Years. I was in my late 40s when when our Curate suggested that I might be suitable, though I spent another 5 years thinking about it before taking the plunge.
It can be hard work but I love doing it. The first thing to consider is, do you have a vocation to formal ministry, and if you do is it to reader ministry or something else. (Pastoral Assistant, Pioneer Ministry, Evangelist or even the Priesthood).
Even if you are not sure talk to others in you church especially other readers and your Rector; do they think you could do it?
Will your family support you? It may be harder without that but not imposible.
Remember that it's should not be an ego trip. As Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves". (Luke 22:27)
The training is rightly quite challenging but a reasonably inteligent person should cope with it. If you are selected for training you should aim at becoming reasonably competent at as many aspects of ministry as you can, but you will find what really excites and motivates you and may choose to specialize in that area.
Many Readers, but by no means all, take funerals. There is no pressure to do this and extra training is required. I have been taking them for about 6 years and I have to say that it's one of the most rewarding aspects of my ministry.
Anyway talk to your Rector and others and see where it goes.

@notreallythevicar
thank you for the honest response.. I am 47yr been thinking of it on & off for 3yrs. I am really drawn to teaching & pastoral work. I am just finishing a masters in a non related area. so I should be reasonably ok with the study part. We dont have pastoral assistant here (not in the UK)... TBH I could not afford to train for priesthood at the moment. I have the support of my husband. thanks again

Sounds like you have given it a lot of thought. The selection process will help to test the quality of your vocation and if they don’t think you are suitable you will not be accepted. I think that you sound very suitable from you comment and hope it goes well for you.