Key information
Reader Ministry Handbook 2023
Reader Working Agreement 2024
Annual Conversation Form 2024
Useful links
Facebook group for local Readers →
Supporting Lay Ministry →
Team contact information
Reader Training – Cuddesdon →
Central Readers’ Council Website
Who’s Who
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Karen Czapiewski Bishops Advisor for Reader and Lay Ministry Contact Karen for support and information on Reader Ministry Email Karen |
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David Treharne Collaborative Ministry Lead: Foundation Contact David if you are exploring Reader Ministry in the Diocese of Gloucester Email David |
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Kate Stacey Collaborative Ministry Lead: Life Long Learning Contact Kate if you are a Reader in the Diocese of Gloucester for Learning and Development opportunities Email Kate |
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Ruth Cameron Admin Assistant Email Ruth |
Readers are people of all ages and from all walks of life uniquely qualified to bring the word of God into issues of working life, voluntary work, leisure and relationships; as well as being involved in the life and mission of the Church. They encourage others to share the Gospel wherever they are and help others discover the Christian faith for themselves.
Reader Training →
- Open the Gospel Learning Community
24/11/2025 - Preaching the Lectionary Gospel – a year with Matthew
19/11/2025 - Preaching the Lectionary Gospel – a year with Matthew
18/11/2025 - Open the Gospel Learning Community
17/11/2025 - Open the Gospel Learning Community
10/11/2025 - Open the Gospel Learning Community
03/11/2025
Reader Ministry news
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The Office of Reader is the only voluntary lay ministry in the Church of England that is nationally accredited, episcopally licensed and governed by canon law. Readers often lead worship and can be easily identified by the blue scarf they wear. They also preach and teach; in fact the name ‘Reader’ is a reminder of their core calling: to speak aloud God’s Word. Some have particular roles and gifts for serving in the wider community; some in schools, in work-place chaplaincy or as pastoral visitors. Some are specially trained to take funerals and in caring for the bereaved. Others are in pioneer roles, seeking to bring the Gospel to people beyond the familiar boundaries of the Church.
Readers work alongside ordained and lay colleagues, often in ministry teams. Having been trained and licensed they share responsibility in leading the people of God in discipleship and mission.
Anyone can apply to join a Reader training programme. If God is calling you to this ministry, why not explore further. After a process of shared discernment and selection, Reader training takes place locally as a two-year part time course. Upon successful completion you can expect to receive a licence from the Bishop to minister in this Diocese. Like all Christian service it is exciting, demanding and rewarding.
Like those in ordained ministry, Readers are sustained and supported in their work by participation in a continuing programme of training and development.
If you feel you are being called to be a Reader please click on the dropdown tabs below, contact us, or to read more, visit our Vocations webpage →
• Lead church worship
• Preach
• Lead study groups
• Pioneer ministry in their local parish
• Lead funeral services
• Offer pastoral care
• Offer chaplaincy care
• Enable mission in the everyday lives of others. Then Reader Ministry may be for you! Anyone can apply to join a Reader training programme. Often, we shrug off this question or assume it couldn’t possibly be me! Sometimes, others recognise your calling before you do. Sometimes you may have a calling by a feeling inside of you or through prayer or an experience in your life. The way people are called by God is as varied as the people called. Still unsure, why not visit our ‘Discover your vocation’ page for courses and schemes that will help you to discern your vocation.
Step Two – Contact Karen Czapiewski – Bishops Advisor for Reader and Lay Ministry for an initial chat.
Step Three – Following a time of discernment, you may be invited to a panel for Reader Ministry.
Should the candidate be successful with the above, they can expect to be recommended for Reader training. They will receive training which will provide a grounding in academic theology, training in ministerial skills, and engagement in the process of spiritual formation. The initial training takes place mainly in Gloucester in partnership with Cuddesdon College, Oxford (CGH) and lasts for two years. Once licensed, Readers enter a probationary year when they will be further supported by their Incumbent and given access to regular ministerial training events and opportunities designed especially for those in Reader ministry.
What do candidates say about it?
If you would like any other information relating to Reader Ministry please contact Ruth Cameron
Deanery Reader Wardens
- Tewkesbury & Winchcombe – Angela Cole
- Forest South – Denise Hogan
- Cheltenham – Dereck Freeman
- Cirencester – Derrick Pierce
- Stroud – Linda Jarvis
- Severn Vale – Rob Poole
- Gloucester City – Sue Rodford
- Cirencester – Gordon Land
- North Cotswold – Nick Partridge
- Wotton – Tania Manners and Matthew Riddle
