Lay Ministry
Interested in Exploring Lay Ministries?
All Christians are called to love and serve others. For some that takes the form of ordained ministry as a priest or deacon. For others there are a variety of ministries of the people in our dioceses, our parishes, or our communities. However, there are a distinctive set of ministries, provided for by our church’s canon law, that require training and licensure by your Bishop.
Those who are interested in becoming licensed lay ministers should contact their bishop to gain approval and direction before applying to the Stevenson School. Preparation in the Stevenson School does not obligate the Bishop to grant a license, but rather provides a quality education experience that will form you spiritually and intellectually for the work.
These short training programs can be completed within a calendar year and provide the structure for explore the licensure as well as exposing you to other lifelong learning opportunities.
The Lay Ministry trainings are open to Episcopalians from any diocese! We welcome you to explore this path as you discern your church leadership and ministry possibilities! Have questions about this track?
Email us and schedule time for an information session.
Lay Worship Leader Training
Stevenson’s Lay Worship Leader training prepares lay leaders to apply for licensure from their diocese. According to Title III, Canon 4, Section 4 of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, a licensed lay worship leader is “a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.”
The Stevenson School training does not confer licensure. Licensure is given by bishops diocesan and diocesan commissions on ministry for a time-certain period.
Those who are interested in becoming a licensed lay worship leader should contact their bishop to gain approval and direction before applying to the Stevenson School.
Course Requirements + Suggestions
| Introduction Courses 2 required | Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures Introduction to New Testament |
| Prayer Book Studies 1 required | Prayer Book Studies |
| Trainings 2 required | Becoming Beloved Community or your diocese’s anti-racism training Safe Church, Safe Communities (current certification) |
| Optional Courses 3 suggested | Anglican Approaches to Ministry Continuing Education in Scripture Study Continuing Education in Spiritual Practices |
Lay Preacher Training
Stevenson’s Lay Preacher training prepares lay leaders to apply for licensure from their diocese. According to Title III, Canon 4, Section 5 of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, a licensed lay preacher is “a lay person authorized to preach. Persons so authorized shall only preach in congregations under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.”
The Stevenson School training does not confer licensure. Licensure is given by bishops diocesan and diocesan Commissions on Ministry.
Those who are interested in becoming a licensed lay preacher should contact their bishop to gain approval and direction before applying to the Stevenson School.
Course Requirements + Suggestions
| Introduction Courses 2 required | Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures Introduction to New Testament |
| Prayer Book Studies 1 required | Prayer Book Studies |
| Homiletics 1 required | Homiletics 1 |
| Trainings 2 required | Becoming Beloved Community or your diocese’s anti-racism training Safe Church, Safe Communities (current certification) |
| Optional Courses 3 suggested | Anglican Approaches to Ministry Anglican Homiletics Continuing Education in Scripture Study Continuing Education in Spiritual Practices |
Lay Evangelism Training
Stevenson’s Lay Evangelist training prepares lay leaders to apply for licensure from their diocese. According to Title III, Canon 4, Section 9 of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, a licensed lay evangelist is “a lay person who presents the good news of Jesus Christ in such a way that people are led to receive Christ as Savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fellowship of the Church.”
We currently offer a 14-week Lay Evangelism Training, incorporating lectures, discussions, and practicums, designed to equip lay Episcopalians to know and share this good news of Christ. Participants will come away from the training with a deeper awareness of God’s story and practical skills for sharing this story.
Topics covered include:
- “Why” evangelism and baptismal ministry?
- Reading scripture for evangelism in the Episcopal Church
- Knowing your own spiritual autobiography
- Basic apologetics and articulating “why” Christianity
The Stevenson School training does not confer licensure. Licensure is given by bishops diocesan and diocesan Commissions on Ministry.
| Courses 1 required | Lay Evangelism Training |
| Trainings 2 required | Becoming Beloved Community or your diocese’s anti-racism training Safe Church, Safe Communities (current certification) |
Those who are interested in becoming a licensed lay evangelist should contact their bishop to gain approval and direction before registering for the training.
We will next be offering this training in the Spring of the 2025-26 academic year. Register here!
SSFM Learning Workshops
Learning Workshops are special presentations offered at various times in the fall and spring semesters. Attendance is expected for those enrolled in a Stevenson certificate program. These Saturday morning online workshops are guided explorations on topics relevant to bringing ministry into context.
Register Today
Find the courses and registration on our upcoming course page.