Here, four Local Lay-Pastors explain why they took up the role and what it means to them.
Oscar Siu, North Kent
Local lay-pastors are important because they can perform many of the functions of a presbyter, with the exception of conducting Holy Communion.
I felt called to serve cross-culturally, particularly within the British Chinese communities (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English-speaking migrants and their descendants in the UK), as well as the local English-speaking congregations.
I have greatly benefited from my experience in congregational leadership, the management of a faith-based Chinese school, and my connections with the circuit, district, and connexion through various forms of ministry.
There has been a significant shortage of Chinese-speaking presbyters in the British Methodist Church for a long time, and the role of a local lay-pastor can help address this challenge to some extent.
I see God in the congregation I serve, particularly through its ministries, which include community development events, mission and evangelism, discipleship, the operation of a faith school, Sunday worship, and pastoral care.
Ermine Mitchell, Birmingham
I was working as a pastoral visitor, a role I had been doing for many years. Then, in one day, I had three colleagues ask me if I'd thought about applying for the Local Lay-Pastor post.
Local Lay-Pastors often serve in places where ordained pastors can’t regularly be present. Because Local Lay-Pastors usually come from the communities they serve, they understand the unique culture, struggles, and strengths of their congregation in ways outsiders might not.
Being a Local Lay-Pastor provides me so much spiritual growth. Preaching, praying, and leading others pushes me to study scripture, rely on God, and deepen my own faith. My churches benefit from my preaching, pastoral care and my willingness to walk with them through life’s ups and downs.
I show that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when God calls them, this inspires others in my congregations to serve and lead and see that they too may be being called.
Standing in the pulpit and realising my message touched someone’s heart, brought clarity, or offered hope can be deeply affirming. Preaching with authenticity, especially when rooted in my own journey, can move people profoundly.…..what a privilege.
Ros Hancock, Luton
I became a Local Lay-Pastor after I’d completed my local preacher training and felt strongly that God was calling me to something more. I considered candidating but felt I was a bit too old to offer the required 10 years of service after qualifying.
I think the church gains from having someone alongside them. I’m the one who works with them on their outreach and community events. I get a lot from the work because I feel part of something happening for, and with, God. I feel I’m where God wants me to be, although I have gone through some difficult times.
The churches I work with most are in very deprived areas and so it can be difficult to get members to help in the work as there are so few of them. I definitely couldn’t do the work if God wasn’t beside me!
Sue Marshall-Jennings, Arbroath
I started as a Local Lay-Pastor in July 2024 in Arbroath. I am the first – and so far - only Local Lay-Pastor in Scotland.
Being a Local Lay-Pastor, our church gets someone who is fully conversant with Methodist policies and procedures and someone who can be tasked with doing things that others do not have the knowledge or capacity for.
I am absolutely thriving in the post – people tell me I look better and am positively glowing at times! I was widowed four years ago and this has been a lifechanging opportunity where I can give everything to the various roles and I am someone who really works to the view that the more you put in – the more you get out. There are so many highlights – probably the pastoral care is one of the greatest.
I get to be with people I know and care about, develop the use of the building, hopefully inspire people, and help the church to grow.
I see God in what he is giving me the strength to do, especially in things which would have previously been well out of my comfort zone.
John Parkin, Telford
I was commissioned as a Local Lay-Pastor in the Telford Circuit in September 2024. When I retired from thirty-five years of working in IT, I took the opportunity to extend my theological reflection as a Local Preacher, by studying Theology, Mission and Ministry at the Queen’s Foundation as an independent student.
Over a coffee with my superintendent, I found myself saying that my interest was being drawn more to radical localism. “It’s funny you should say that”, they said, and shared their vision for appointing Local Lay-Pastors.
Now I am part of a team ministry providing pastoral care and leadership at two churches. One is Horsehay which is a smallish church with a strong sense of church family. The other church is Wellington, which is a vibrant multi-ethnic, multi-generational church with many members who have migrated to the Telford new town from all over the UK and the world. In addition, I am coordinating a project to explore creating a new expression of church in one of the parts of Telford which has expanded rapidly.
I find being a Local Lay-Pastor very energising. I love the variety and the unexpected. For example, working with a Ghanaian family to prepare for their son’s Baptism was full of joy and pushed me to try new things.
I think the churches value having someone who are focused on the mission and ministry of their church community. Of course, new pastoral arrangements are a learning experience for everyone but increasingly, it is helping us all to recognise that we are all called to share in the whole ministry of the church.