In Liverpool we have two Stipendiary Readers as Ministers in Charge, living in the Vicarage and being paid an Incumbent’s salary but that has come out of necessity as no Ordained person could be found for either Church.

As you say, things do vary from community to community and Church to Church. What a Reader can do in one they cannot do in another. Perhaps, I am too negative. I work on joint Anglican Methodist training between Readers and Local Preachers and may of the latter are amazed at what some Readers do

(First comment lost!)

I have the privledge of knowing a number of Readers. They are as diverse as the whole Church and, therefore, I am not surprised that when they get together they are confused by their role and reason.

We are in a changing time. Churches need to balance what they do, and many are caught between maintaing the existing and reaching out for something new.

In our Benefice, we have three churches. The increasing number of Readers (and Ordained) has meant we have been able to icnrease the number of services offered at the smaller churches. However, we have yet to be able to branch out into services at different times, or even different locations. Something vital when, if you work during the week, the only available service is at 10.00 on Sunday – a time that competes with family time and, for example, all the yough football in the county. (The local RC church does a well attended Saturday eraly evening service).

It strikes me that Readers are fundamental to the first two marks of mission. To have people with a good understanding of theology is vital to be effective in proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel. And to nurture and develop believers.

How this is done will vary across communitites and within different churches.

Perhaps, in churches where this is not happening, Readers could be at the forefront, helping those who are ordained, to see what can be done, and finding a palce to use their Gifts to glory of God.

Blessings
Jonathan