Licensed Lay Worship Leaders
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Committee | Policies| Highlight |Preparation & Licensing | Support & Guidance| Staff Support
Thank you for your willingness to serve
Shining Waters Regional Council is grateful to God for the willingness of lay people who come forward to offer their faith, insight and skill as worship leaders in congregations. The following page outlines the standards of practice for Licensed Lay Worship Leaders who serve in Shining Waters. It is the hope of the region that these standards of practice will both encourage, honour and inform the members of the Laity as they share their gifts and express their faith while meeting the vital need of a congregation to gather for worship.
Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Policies
- Pastoral Relations Commission: Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Policy This policy provides oversight to the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders within Shining Waters Regional Council. This authority is given to the Pastoral Relations Commission.
- Pastoral Relations Commission: Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Committee Policy This policy outlines the purpose, accountability, authority, membership and responsibilities of the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Committee and the relationship with the Pastoral Relations Commission.
Read about Glen and Pat’s experience as Licensed Lay Worship Leaders in the February 2020 Wellspring blog, Because I Can Do No Other: why licensed lay worship leaders serve.
Preparation and Licensing
What is the process of becoming licensed?
What is required to be a Licensed Lay Worship Leader (LLWL)?
The regional council may license a person as a licensed lay worship leader. (The Manual 2024, I 1.11.5)
The following requirements apply:
- a) the person must be a member of a congregation in that regional council; and
- b) the license must be for a specified term, which may be renewed.
A licensed lay worship leader serves under the direction of the Regional Council’s Pastoral Relations Commission through the LLWL Committee. If a licensed lay worship leader becomes a member of a community of faith in another regional council, that person must be recognized by that other regional council in order to continue serving as a licensed lay worship leader
What are the educational requirements to be licensed?
The lay member completes a preparatory course that extends over at least two years and includes the study of theology, church history, Hebrew and Christian scriptures, preaching, worship, and pastoral skills. The course of study must be approved by the LLWL Committee.
The lay member must also complete all mandatory workshops and police records checks, according to policy set by the United Church of Canada. Please see United in Learning online learning page for available dates and times for required workshops.
If a layperson has received training outside any training course approved by the region, are they exempt from region approved training, and if so, what criteria covers a decisioin to be exempt?
An individual may be exempt from a preparatory course at the discretion of the Pastoral Relations Commission. An individual’s education would be evaluated using the handbook, Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (June 2019) or future editions.
When seeking licensing, will there be an interview for Licensed Lay Worship Leaders?
Yes. The Pastoral Relations Commission, through the LLWL Committee tests the lay member’s suitability and readiness for licensed lay worship leadership by examining their personal character, doctrinal beliefs, and educational competency. Based on the interview, the LLWL committee will make a recommendation to the Pastoral Relations Commission regarding issuing a license.
Support and Guidance
What’s the role and the terms?
Is there support for new Licensed Lay Worship Leaders?
The LLWL Committee is currently exploring the development of a mentorship program whereby new LLWLs will be supported by an experienced LLWL. Please contact staff support person Dale Hildebrand (dhildebrand@united-church.ca) or Rob Smith (rsmith@united-church.ca) if you would like to have a mentor.
Will there be interviews for renewal of licenses?
Yes. The Pastoral Relations Commission issues a license to the lay member to function as a licensed lay worship leader within the jurisdiction of the region, under the direction of the region. The licence is normally valid for 3 years and may be renewed.
What kind of reporting do you require from the LLWL?
The LLWL Committee, which has been authorised to interview and make recommendations to the Pastoral Relations Commission, will determine what reporting is required. It is recommended that you keep bulletins, sermons and a record of what churches you have served in case you are asked for these.
How many Sundays can a Licensed Lay worship Leader lead worship in one community of faith?
The licensed lay worship leader may cover three consecutive Sundays a month, to a maximum of 15 services per year, in one community of faith. Alternatively, the licensed lay worship leader may lead services for one complete month in a six-month period in one Pastoral Charge. If asked to lead worship for more Sundays, the licensed lay worship leader is to seek the approval of a Pastoral Relations Minister before agreeing to do so. The Pastoral Relations Ministers will report these exceptions to the Pastoral Relations Commission.
Are Licensed Lay Worship Leaders to be remunerated? What is the remuneration when leading worship in a multi-point community of faith?
The community of faith is encouraged to remunerate licensed lay worship leaders in accordance with the 2024 Minimum Salaries & Reimbursements rate for Visiting Ministry Personnel, including travel, issued by General Council each year. It is to be noted that this rate is a minimum. When leading worship on a multi-point community of faith, it is intended that the licensed lay worship leader would receive above the minimum rate for one Sunday, but not necessarily the full rate for each worship service.
Are Licensed Lay Worship Leaders expected to provide pastoral care?
No. A licensed lay worship leader may not provide pastoral care in a pastoral charge that is not their own. It is expected that the licensed lay worship leader will refer any requests or requirements for pastoral care (counseling, home visitation, hospital visitation) to the called or appointed ministry personnel, or the community of faith’s supervisor for follow-up.
May a Licensed Lay Worship Leader conduct a funeral?
Yes. A licensed lay worship leader may conduct a funeral. However, the conduct of funerals within a community of faith (including a funeral home), is to be arranged in consultation with the called or appointed ministry personnel or the supervisor of the community of faith. If the licensed lay worship leader conducts a funeral, they must ensure that the information is entered in the Burial Register of the community of faith.
May a Licensed Lay Worship Leader conduct a marriage and sacraments?
No. Licensing does not include permission to preside at the sacraments or provide a license to perform marriages.
Does the Regional Council require a Police Records Check and mandatory workshops?
Yes. A level two Police Records Check is required for initial licensing, and annual declaration of no criminal charges or convictions thereafter. Licensed Lay Worship Leaders are required to complete the following mandatory workshops: Racial justice workshop and the Boundary workshop (Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy). Please see United in Learning for required workshop dates and times.
May a LLWL wear a stole or clergy collar?
No. A stole and a clergy collar are reserved for those who are ministry personnel, called or appointed to a community of faith.
Are there continuing education opportunities for LLWLs?
Yes there are. United-in-Learning offers online learning opportunities through ChurchX, an online e-learning platform. Please see United in Learning’s online classes catalogue for continuing education options.
Staff Support
ROBERT SMITH
Pastoral Relations Minister
Phone: 249-489-1015
Email: rsmith@united-church.ca
CURRENTLY ON SABBATICAL RETURNING FEBRUARY 3, 2025
Serves in: Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils
Location: Teleworks from his home.
Role: Rob encourages and supports ministry personnel toward health, joy, and excellence in ministry practice.
Contact Rob about: Conflict Resolution; Finding A New Minister; Licensed Lay Worship Leaders; Licenses To Administer Sacraments; Pastoral Relationships Policy; Resources for Transition Times; Retirement; Sabbaticals; Sick Leave; Short Term Supply Ministers; Visiting Minister Options.
DONNA RUTZ
Communications and Administrative Support
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6145
Email: drutz@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council
Location: Teleworks from her home in Toronto
Role: Donna provides administrative support to the region as a whole including communications, record-keeping, event planning, office management, and reception.
Contact Donna about: General Inquiries; Community Events; Communication Oversite; Covenanting Services; General Inquiries; Records Management; Regional Events; Social Media; Updating Contact/Subscription Information; Website.