3. Goals and Objectives

(Up-dated February 9, 2004)

3.1     Each candidate should have one or more areas of special interest (c.f. 3.5 below) in addition to Liturgical interests.

3.2     The candidate's interests should not be solely liturgical, and where this is a concern the candidate should indicate at least one other area of interest.

3.3     The communion of Lay Readers in the Diocese endeavours to be a ministry of the Spirit, providing a context in which each one may attain to the unity inherent in our faith and our knowledge of the Son of God.

3.4    Because resource materials change constantly in all modern areas of Christian interest, the candidate is advised to consult his/her Incumbent and/or the Warden of Lay Readers in regard to recent relevant materials.

3.5       Suggested areas of proficiency and/or interest:

                        1. Liturgical

                               Candidates should indicate to their Incumbent:

a. An ability to read Lessons and service parts.

b. A knowledge of the Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Alternative Services and other liturgical texts as authorized from time to time by the Bishop.

                        2. Pastoral

                               Candidates should indicate to their Incumbent:

a. how their talents may be used in the Parish under the Incumbent's supervision.

b. a knowledge of basic counseling techniques.

                        3. Administration

Participation in Advisory Boards, Boards of Management, the every member visitation, and similar Parish activities.

4. Education

                               Candidates should indicate to their Incumbent:

a.       an active participation in the Parish educational programme at the child, youth, or adult levels, in a leadership role;

b.      a knowledge of the principles of the educational programme as developed in the Parish.

c.      an awareness of general church school curricula especially those in current use.

 5. Social Action

                                    Candidates should indicate to their Incumbent:

a.      participation at the Parish level in task groups or associations for social action in their own communities.

b.      be active in movements outside the parish such as AA, Health associations, etc.

C.     understand the evangelical role of the church in the world.

d.      be knowledgeable of Governmental plans for social assistance and social agencies generally.

 3.6 Specific Goals:

 1. Christian Community

To foster an open, sharing group giving support one to the other in Christ.

2. Continuing Education

Offering opportunities to grow in ministry skills. 

3. Spiritual Growth

To ensure the spiritual nurture of Lay Readers.

 4. Team Ministry

To learn to work with the Incumbent and others in the ministry of the church.

3.7 Objectives

1.    Encourage the Lay Readers to be members of the Parish Worship planning committee

2.    Open, informative and sharing meetings on a Deanery level at least annually under the auspices of an elected Deanery leader.

 3.     Encourage continuing education through the holding of annual Lay Reader conferences, and through Deanery initiatives, using both local resources and those obtained through the Warden. Deanery Lay Readers will elect a Deanery Education Director who will organize and co-ordinate these initiatives.