Lay Worship Leaders
Locally Recognised Worship Leaders:
The United Reformed Church (URC) recognises two main routes for those who wish to lead worship: Locally Recognised Worship Leaders and Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers. These ministries are designed to support and value the ministry of individuals who lead prayers, preach, and lead services in their local church community. These leaders offer themselves to lead worship in their own church context, either individually or as part of a team. They are a vital resource for the local church and are encouraged to become formally recognised through a learning journey supported by their Area Lay Worship Leader Advocate.
For information about Stepwise courses being offered in North Western Synod, please contact your Area Lay Worship Leader Advocate or your Mission Mentor.
Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers:
These are more itinerant preaching resources who offer themselves for wider service within the synod. They are formally recognised and can serve in various churches, making their preaching more widely recognised and transferable. The URC provides training and resources to help individuals develop their skills and gain formal authorisation as a Locally Recognised Worship Leader or Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher. This includes opportunities to learn, apply learning, practice skills, and reflect on experience. For those interested in becoming a Lay Preacher or Worship Leader, the URC offers a pathway to enable, equip, and envision individuals to make a dynamic difference for the Kingdom of God.