1. Authorised Worship Assistants Re-imagining Ministry
Bishop of Thetford
Diocesan Synod
March 2013

2. What? A lay ministry Only working within own benefice
To assist the Incumbent
With the Ministry of the Word
And in conducting worship

3. Why? (1)
“Ministry belongs to all God’s people”
God gives gifts to his people
Church’s task is to nurture, encourage and draw these out
Further develop ministry as collaboration

4. Why (2)
Some ministry can be commissioned locally
Ministry of the Word and worship traditionally reserved
Permission being given for local initiative
Relationship with the Bishop encouraged

5. Why (3)
Practical need to develop collaboration between clergy and laity
Desire for Christian worship and witness in every parish
Changing role of the Vicar: overseeing a team

6. Who (1)?
Chosen by Incumbent and PCC
A rooted faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments
Good basic understanding and openness to go on learning
Proclaiming not simply what they think but what Christians believe

7. Who (2)?
Willing to work under incumbent’s authority and guidance
Respected by church and community
Stable life and faith
Demonstrate humility and pastoral sensitivity

8. How (1)
Incumbent and clear majority of the PCC support the call
Incumbent writes to the Bishop
Letter of authorization is read out at commissioning
Ministry exercised under Incumbent’s supervision

9. How (2)
A working agreement is drawn up
AWA undertakes study and learning
Authorisation to be renewed after three years
New Incumbent, renewal in first year

10. When?
Booklet available at Central Visitations
Begin immediately
Whenever new gifts are discerned and call given

11. And also How is this distinct from Reader Ministry?
Reader Ministry is nationally recognized
It is licensed, transferable and permanent
Readers have a key role in encouraging and supporting AWAs
Some will find AWA a stepping stone to Reader ministry

12. And also What Learning, Study and Support is offered?
Portfolio approach: a variety of options
Centrally provided; parish or deanery based; distance learning
Local Supervision
Regular; supportive; educative; and normative