We are delighted that several people from across the diocese will be licensed by Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMS) at Bristol Cathedral tomorrow, Saturday 8 October at 10.30am at Bristol Cathedral. Everyone is welcome to attend.
LLMs have been trained and authorised to teach the faith, offer Christian leadership, and enable mission. They live out their faith in communities, churches and workplaces. The Church of England recognises them as ‘theologically educated lay people who can lead worship, preach, teach, work in mission and evangelism and do pastoral care’.
Please read their personal stories below:-
Rebecca Meilton
"I have been a member of St Paul’s Church, Chippenham for most of my life. It was never in my plan to become a Licenced Lay Minister, like it wasn’t in my plans to start working for the church as a youth minster 7 years ago. But here I am becoming a Licenced Lay Minister for the Greenways Benefice! God ignited in me many years ago a passion for telling people, especially young people about Jesus, it is a great privilege to be given the opportunities to do this. God has placed in my heart His young people, seeing them reach their full potential and finding their own place within His church. I think God wants my ministry as an LLM to further enrich what I am already doing and bring together the young people, adults and families in our church."
Steven Purnell
"Whilst worshipping at St Martins, there was something nagging me: I needed to be doing something but did not know what. I spoke to the vicar, fortunately for our church and for me personally, she is an amazing encourager, so here I am being licensed. I write poetry and tell stories not realising these were gifts to be honed and perfected. The Exploring Christianity course and my formation year has sharpened these skills. I have worked in the motor trade all my life and, as I come to retirement age, I seem to be busier than ever, my tools these days a keyboard and telephone, and still enjoying it especially the interactions with customers and staff. With the grace of God there are a few more chapters of my life story to go. I can’t wait to turn the next page.
