Yorkshire North and East Methodist District have been at the forefront of introducing and developing the role of Local Lay Pastors. Lay people have always played a significant role in the history of Methodism although the nature and extent of that role has varied over the years. They have readily responded to whatever God has called them to do and risen to the challenges facing the church alongside their ordained colleagues. As we enter the third decade of the 21st century the Methodist Church is responding to a shortage in the number of ordinands offering for Presbyteral ministry. At the same time, there is a spirit-led rise amongst lay people to respond to the call to share in the local leadership of churches. This has resulted in the creation of the role of Local Pastor
What are Local Pastors?
Local Lay-Pastors are part of the ministry of Circuits and provide a recognised presence among a congregation or gathered community and in the wider community. They care for, enable, lead and represent a relevant local church or churches, and represent the wider Church to the relevant local church(es). It is a form of ministry complementary to but distinct from the ministries of presbyters, deacons and other lay officers in enabling the Church’s mission for the sake of the world. The specific duties and role of Local Lay-Pastors varies based on their context. This has been one of its strengths as it has developed across the Connexion and has enabled roles to develop in response to the Holy Spirit and local needs and opportunities.
“Local Lay Pastors are people engaged in lay ministry authorised by a local church or circuit and acting in a pastoral and mission leadership role in a local congregation. They may be paid or voluntary, full-time or part-time. They are commissioned to engage in pastoral ministry and mission on behalf of, and in collaboration with, local church members, for specified periods of time. An individual’s ministry will vary according to their gifts and skills, and the local situation.“
Is this something to which God is calling you as a lay person in your own faith journey? A way to use the gifts God has given you?
Or perhaps as an ordained Presbyter you would welcome a colleague to share with you in local ministry, taking some of the pressures from your shoulders and replacing it with the joy of shared ministry?
More Info
Resources
Methodist Church Website:
Supporting Local Ministry Menu
www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/equipping-circuits/offices-and-roles/local-lay-pastors/
Two reports relate to the establishment of the Local Lay-Pastor:
Changing Patterns of Ministry report (from p.299) – The Methodist Conference 2021
Report to the Methodist Council part 2 (from p.188) report of The Methodist Conference 2022
Training at Cliff Collage for local pastors – Foundations for Mission and Ministry
www.cliffcollege.ac.uk/courses/cliff-college-online/foundations-mission-ministry
Good News Stories
Here are some people and places that have employed a local lay pastor around our district:
Tadcaster Circuit – Eileen
Ripon and Lower Dales – Catherine
Pateley Bridge – Alan
Nidd Valley – Clair
North Yorkshire Coast –
South Holderness – Steve
York Circuit – Lousia, Alyson, and John
Hull Centre & West – Peter
Contact
If you would like to know more feel free to contact Heather Shipman (Lead Local Pastor) or Revd Ruth Gilson-Webb (Assistant Chair – Church Development) from the District Team if you would like to talk further.
Heather – localpastor@yorkshirenemethodist.org
Ruth – development@yorkshirenemethodist.org