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Summary of proposed changes for Accreditation of Lay Preachers in English-speaking Parishes July 2023
Viv Whimster — August 7, 2023
These suggestions on changes for accreditation in English-speaking Parishes were circulated by email to all Lay Preachers, in a notification in the Connexional email in July and outlined to some Synod Superintendents at their July retreat.
Here is a summary of the proposed changes:
• There will be two levels of training – further discussion is needed on how we name these.
If agreed, it could be “local worship leaders” and “nationally accredited Lay Preachers”. Further discussion needed.
1. For ministry in that person’s own Parish or Congregation.
The study involved would be over a minimum of 2 years through a programme such as Lead Worship. Ideally this would be offered in the Parish, but it could be in the Synod or even at national level by zoom.
2. For ministry recognised nationally through accreditation.
The study would be over a minimum of 3 years through a year of Lead Worship and 3 papers through Trinity College; these could however be studied concurrently over 2 years. Courses of study through other institutions (eg Laidlaw College, Otago University) may be approved after consultation with Trinity College.
· We would seek to remove the clause in the Law Book which allows those of “mature years” who have been preaching for more than 5 years to be accredited without further study. This was never intended to be a permanent means to accreditation.
• Every trainee would have a mentor, who could be a Presbyter or experienced Lay Preacher.
• The last step for acceptance for leading worship locally or for national accreditation would be through the evaluated service and interview process, as at present. The interviewing team could recommend further study or training; their report would be sent to the Parish Presbyter for final endorsement by the Parish Council and also to the Synod Executive. The Synod is responsible for following up any recommendations for further study or training. The Synod Secretary retains a copy of the report.
There will now be discussion with Tauiwi Strategy, Mission Resourcing and Trinity College before bringing the ideas to Conference.
A more detailed document is available on the Lay Preachers section of the MCNZ website:
https://www.methodist.org.nz/tangata/ministers-lay-and-ordained/methodist-lay-preachers-network/
You are invited to give further feedback to the Network Convenors:
Viv Whimster - vjwhimster@gmail.com
Ngaire Southon - ngaire@southon.net
