Could I become a Lay Worship Assistant?
Information about the process and training course
Waterwheel Series Workbook 9 November 2017
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Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3 The Course ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Who is the Course for? ........................................................................................................................ 4 What happens during a Vacancy? ....................................................................................................... 4 Safe Recruitment ................................................................................................................................. 5 Safeguarding ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Accountability ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Letter of Commendation ..................................................................................................................... 6 Commissioning ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Annual Return ...................................................................................................................................... 6 Ongoing Development Training ........................................................................................................... 6 Renewal of Letter of Commendation .................................................................................................. 6 Application Form – Lay Worship Assistant .......................................................................................... 7 A Ministry Specification for a LWA ...................................................................................................... 8 The Moral Contract ............................................................................................................................ 10 Specimen Ministry Specifications ...................................................................................................... 11 Renewal Application Form – LWA Commendation ........................................................................... 12
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Introduction In the history of Israel God appointed those who would take care of the arrangements and leading of public worship. This ministry is crucial to the practice of public worship still today and clergy are given responsibility to lead people in public prayer. Clearly the patterns of worship have changed dramatically in the Church of England over the past 50 years and the ministry has not been confined to priestly ministry. Lay people exercise their ministry in this area under the guidance and supervision of the incumbent of the parish or benefice. It is a privilege to lead fellow disciples in worship and one that takes preparation and sensitivity. The skills of leading worship are substantial and are more than good presentational skills. They involve awareness of the Spirit moving as well as technical knowledge. However, to lead the worship of God is something that can be practised and acquired, although the discernment of such people should not be taken lightly and gifts need to be demonstrable. The key to this ministry in the structure of the church is that it is one of assistance. The ordering of worship in any parish is part the responsibility of the PCC and part the incumbent. The LWA may contribute to any discussion on worship but the role is of an assistant to the incumbent.
The Course The Ministry for Mission provides parishes, benefices or local ministry groups with the material to run a course for lay worship assistants. This includes course leader’s notes and all necessary handouts for the participants. Usually, Incumbents, Readers or Lay Leaders tutor the course locally. The course includes 9 units as follows: Unit 1:
What is good worship?
Unit 2:
The components of worship
Unit 3:
Informal worship
Unit 4:
Preparing to lead a public service
Unit 5:
Experiencing worship
Unit 6:
Times and seasons and the service of the Word
Unit 7:
Hymns, psalms and spiritual songs
Unit 8:
Use of sacred space, movement and senses
Unit 9:
Practice in leading worship locally and moving forward
Aims The course aims to promote skills in leading worship by developing and practicing techniques. It will do this by exploring some of the main traditions of liturgy in the Anglican Church and by exploring, evaluating and learning from worship styles across the church. As part of the course, participants will also be
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encouraged to consider the use of space in worship and to know about times and seasons, the use of music and other resources.
Learning Outcomes On completion of the course, LWA’s: Will be able to lead Services of the Word competently Will be able to recognise differing forms of liturgical practice Will be able to locate worship resources
Who is the Course for? Lay Worship Assistants are discerned and selected locally through the PCC. The PCC and incumbent are required to approve each applicant and to follow the safe recruitment procedure (see details in next section) which involves completion of a Confidential Declaration form and Enhanced DBS check. Each applicant is required to complete the Ministry for Mission LWA training course or provide evidence of other relevant training undertaken. At the end of training a Ministry Specification will be drawn up before the beginning of the ministry by the named person and the LWA. A sample ministry specification is attached to be used as a framework. This will state the aims of the LWA, parameters of work, accountability structures, amount of hours envisaged, expenses, insurances, and complaints and appeals procedures. It will also name a person as a supervisor who will meet regularly with the LWA(s) – at least four times annually and more usually every 6 weeks. Please note there is no payment for this ministry; however LWA’s should not be out of pocket. When drawing up the ministry specification, it may be helpful to work with the questions given on the document entitled The Moral Contract. A sample ministry specification is also enclosed. The incumbent sends the completed application form signed by the incumbent and the LWA applicant to the Ministry for Mission. The names of all LWA’s are held on a database.
What happens during a Vacancy? If the process has started before the vicar has left then it should continue on as long as the PCC gives its approval to each person training – if commissioning is likely to take place before the new incumbent arrives it should be delayed until the new incumbent begins their ministry. However a conversation with the Rural Dean could suggest an alternative. If someone offers for LWA ministry during a vacancy this should be delayed until a new incumbent arrives, or at least is appointed. If a LWA is in post and a new incumbent arrives there should be a period of review between the incumbent and LWA.
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Safe Recruitment Please refer to the Diocesan website for the complete Safer Recruitment process. In short, the safer recruitment process involves the following steps: 1. Potential LWAs should be involved in the life of the parish for at least six months before being considered 2. Candidates should be interviewed to ensure that they are suitable for the tasks 3. A ministry specification needs to be agreed which includes clearly stated tasks and responsibilities and determines which level of DBS is required 4. Each LWA applicant is required to have a DBS check which will be processed electronically by the Diocese. To ensure that the right level of clearance is obtained please email
[email protected]. Please add the DBS certificate number to the application form 5. Each applicant also needs to complete a Confidential Declaration form 6. Two references should be obtained, one of which should comment on the candidate’s suitability to work with vulnerable adults. If possible, one reference should be from outside the present congregation. A reference from an incumbent of any previous church should be obtained if applicant has recently joined the parish 7. LWA’s should complete the basic awareness in safeguarding course (C0) within 3 months of starting training as an LWA. This course can be accessed online by following the attached link https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/.
Safeguarding LWA’s should ensure that they are aware of current good practice and procedure for keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe, and should therefore complete safeguarding awareness training. LWA’s are also required to complete the foundation level (C1) course within the first 12 months of receipt of their Letter of Commendation. If the LWA is going to act independently (ie not supervised by the curate) then they will also need to complete the safeguarding leadership level (C2) course. Information about available courses and how to book can be found on the safeguarding training pages of the Diocesan website. It is the responsibility of the LWA to ensure that this training is refreshed every 3 years. Any questions about safeguarding training can be directed to Vicky Christophers, the Safeguarding Trainer at:
[email protected] The Safeguarding Training session will cover the LWA’s in ensuring the Church family is kept safe: identifying child and vulnerable adult abuse, and understanding how to respond; welcoming offenders back to the Church and helping to provide an environment in which they can worship safely without endangering others.
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Accountability The LWA will be accountable to a named person, usually with the Cure of Souls in the area. Please note that this means that the LWA works within the ‘Guidelines in Good Practice’ which clergy are encouraged to work to.
Letter of Commendation This will be issued on receipt of the completed application form confirming that the requirements have been fulfilled. This commendation is valid for 5 years and issued by the Palace. It can be renewed at the request and initiation of the local area every five years.
Commissioning This takes place in the local church and you may like to ask your Rural Dean to be part of this within a normal service. The candidate will also be encouraged to attend a Celebration of Learning in the Cathedral to renew commitment with others, diocesan-wide.
Annual Return The LWA is required to produce an annual report of work through an annual return including comments by the named person (incumbent) and reflections by the LWA. To be submitted to the Rural Dean.
Ongoing Development Training It is essential that LWA’s are involved in the updating of their skills, and use of the CMD programme is envisaged where appropriate. Also, the Ministry for Mission will provide ongoing training modules for LWA’s as needed.
Renewal of Letter of Commendation The Commendation is for a period of 5 years and can be renewed by completing the Renewal Application Form and confirming requirements have been met. If no Renewal is received then the LWA post will expire. Please follow the process for renewal by completing the LWA Renewal Application form which is at the end of this document. Please note that this will not be issued if a current DBS certificate is not held and attendance at a safeguarding training has not been within the last three years. Application for renewal should be completed and signed by the Incumbent and the LWA, and sent to the Ministry for Mission who endorses this so a new commendation can be issued. Please note we are unable to process an application for LWA or Renewal of LWA if the form has not been fully completed and signed by the applicant and the Incumbent. This will delay the process of Letter of Commendation being issued. 6
Application Form – Lay Worship Assistant This form is to be completed for each person applying to become a Lay Worship Assistant. The completed form should be signed by the incumbent and the applicant. Details will be kept on the diocesan database. Name of Applicant: Address:
Postcode: Telephone: E-mail address: Parish/Benefice/LMG:
PCC Approval of the Applicant
Date Approved:
Safer Recruitment policy followed and completed
Yes □
ENHANCED DBS Certificate
No □
Children
Yes □
No □
Adult
Yes □
No □
Adult & Children
Yes □
No □
Number: Issue Date: Confidential Declaration (completed and signed)
Date Signed:
Data Protection Notice (completed and enclosed)
Yes □
No □
Date: Ministry for Mission LWA Training completed (or other appropriate training)
Details:
Copy of the Ministry Specification enclosed
Yes □
Incumbent
No □
LWA Applicant
Signed: Name in print: Date: Please return to: Lay Ministries Administrator, Ministry for Mission, The Old Deanery, Wells, BA5 2UG 7
A Ministry Specification for a LWA As part of your preparation for commissioning as a LWA, the LWA is required to draw up a ministry specification with the incumbent. This will form the basis of the work of the LWA over the coming year. We have enclosed some questions, a moral contract and a specimen ministry specification, which will guide the LWA and incumbent when producing the ministry specification. You should read all of it before attempting to produce the specification together. How to write a Ministry Specification Please consider the questions outlined in the moral contract section. Then try to answer the questions on the page. These questions should be the basis of a discussion between incumbent and LWA. It may be of help to write notes of possible answers before you meet. A copy must be kept on file. At the annual date of review the LWA and incumbent might evaluate how the specification has worked out and make adjustments for the future. Introduction The object in drawing up a ministry specification is to ensure that the LWA, the incumbent, the PCC, the churchwardens and the whole ministry team (whether formally constituted or not) know what the LWA is expected to do. The specification must be agreed between incumbent and LWA and approved by the PCC. It provides a basis for periodic review of experience and achievement. The following headings and notes provide a framework for the compilation of a ministry specification. They are intended to prompt systematic, careful thought about a LWA's ministry in a particular place and at a particular time. The resulting specification should be factual, specific and concise. 1. a. b. c.
Preamble What is the formal status of LWAs? How would you summarise the role of a LWA? Where will the LWA exercise his or her ministry?
2. Purpose In one sentence, what is the main purpose of the LA's ministry? Not to be confused with tasks, this heading is intended to give a broad overview of the LWA's ministry in the parish (es). Especially in places where other LWAs are already working, it is important to identify the particular contribution, which the LWA will make. 3. a. b. c.
Accountability Describe the line of accountability of the LWA (example given in specimen) What opportunities are intended for meetings between the incumbent and LWA? What freedom will the LWA have to make decisions?
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This heading also provides an opportunity to set out the means by which the LWA and incumbent will keep in touch. The incumbent and LWA (and others) must be clear about what authority and responsibility has been delegated to the LWA and on what matters the LWA must consult the incumbent (and/or others). Where authority is delegated, the LWA must get on with the job without seeking constant reassurance; equally, he/she must be allowed to do the job without constant intervention or oversight. 4. Tasks It is good practice to specify what is expected of the LWA in terms of commitment to leading services. 5. a. b. c.
Allocation of time/workload How will we assess an appropriate workload for the LWA? How will we assess if the LWA is being overloaded/under used in his or her work? What steps will be taken if the workload becomes excessive or under used?
It is important to estimate, as accurately as possible, the amount of time, which the LWA will devote to his/her ministry. This is best expressed in hours per week or month. 6. a. b.
Expenses What expenses are claimable by the LWA? When should the LWA claim expenses and what method should be used?
The ministry specification needs to have a clear statement of what expenses are to be claimed. Payment of expenses to LWAs needs to have been approved by the PCC. 7. a.
Review When will the LWA's ministry be reviewed and by whom?
The ministry specification will include a date for its review by the incumbent and LWA. The fact that a ministry specification has been written down does not mean that it cannot be changed. Indeed, it will need to be changed in the light of experience. Nor does the existence of a specification preclude changes, at short notice, in an emergency. The ministry specification is not a contract. It is a guide, an aid to clarity in relationships, a benchmark for the future and a form of reassurance for all involved in building God's kingdom in a particular place and time.
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The Moral Contract These questions refer to any licensed minister or volunteer within the church and are for use in the drawing up of a ministry specification. You may wish to discover the answers to these questions as 'raw' information before writing the specification. 1
What exactly do you want me to do?
2.
What freedom to make decisions will I have?
3.
Over what period?
4.
How much of my time will it involve?
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Where will I do it?
6.
Who will I answer to and how?
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What resources will be available to me?
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What support will I receive and from whom?
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How will any possible problems between us be handled?
10.
Will I be able to talk through with someone how the job is going and when?
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What will count as success?
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What particular objectives do you want me to fulfil?
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What preparations/training will I receive and from whom?
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What opportunities for further training will there be?
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Who will I work with?
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How will I relate to others in the pastoral team?
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Will there be other opportunities for ministry in the parish, which I might be able to undertake when I have done this?
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Will I be able to give up the job gracefully at the end of this period, or if I find that it is too much for me?
19.
Who will arrange for my replacement?
20.
How will people know what I have been appointed to do?
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Will the church reimburse me for expenses incurred in doing this appointment?
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Specimen Ministry Specifications A Lay Worship Assistant is a person who is trained and commissioned to engage in leading worship on behalf of the local church, working as part of a team of clergy and laity.
1. Purpose The focus of all LWA’s ministry is leading worship, but an individual’s ministry will vary according to their gifts and skills, and the local situation.
2. Accountability .... is commissioned by the Bishop and is accountable to the (name of incumbent) for such tasks and responsibilities as he/she may, by agreement, allocate to him/her. The LWA and Incumbent will maintain close contact by weekly/quarterly/annual meeting (please decide as appropriate)
3. Tasks The LWA will be involved in leading the monthly family service, a midweek service of the Word occasionally and Compline on some feast days.
4. Allocation of workload … will have no set number of hours, but will regularly review with the (incumbent) the level of commitment with which he/she feels comfortable.
5. Expenses All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Car mileage will be reimbursed at the Diocesan rate. The LWA should submit an expenses form quarterly to the PCC Treasurer.
6. Review There will be a review of this specification every ….. by the (Incumbent) and the LWA. The next review will be in …………………….
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Renewal Application Form – LWA Commendation This form is to be completed for each person applying for a renewal of their LWA Commendation. This renewal is valid for 5 years. The completed form should be signed by the incumbent and the applicant. Details will be kept on the diocesan database. Name of Applicant: Address:
Postcode: Telephone: E-mail address: Parish/Benefice/LMG:
PCC Approval of Renewal
ENHANCED DBS Certificate
Date Approved: Children
Yes □
No □
Adult
Yes □
No □
Adult & Children
Yes □
No □
Number: Issue Date: Confidential Declaration (completed and signed)
Date Signed: C0
C1
C2
Safeguarding Training Attended (enter date attended) Data Protection Notice (completed and enclosed)
Yes □
No □
Copy of the Ministry Specification enclosed
Yes □
No □
Incumbent
LWA Applicant
Signed: Name in print: Date: Please return to: Lay Ministries Administrator, Ministry for Mission, The Old Deanery, Wells, BA5 2UG 12
