Getting Licensed

If you feel you are called to be licensed as a Lay Worship Leader in The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, you must complete the following:

1. 1. Meet with your local priest to seek the cleric’s approval. (If your local church is without regularly clergy support, contact Canon Gary Meade for guidance.)

   2. Seek the approval of your Vestry or Mission Committee.

   3. Complete the attached Application for a Diocesan Worship Leader License including signatures from your priest (if any) and the Senior Warden or Clerk of your Vestry or Mission Committee.

   4. Return your application to Mr. David Benway, the Director of Licensed Lay Ministry Education by mail or email.

   5. You will then receive further instructions, resources, and four exams.

To be licensed, you must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

1. 1. The Word of God

   2. The Doctrine of the Church

   3. The History of the Church

   4. The Liturgy of the Church

Complete and return four exams

You will complete and return a total of four exams on each of the above-named areas of study. You may take up to two years to complete these.

You will receive a list of Lay Worship Leader Resources that include materials available both online and in print. You may find it helpful to access other resources in preparing responses to the four exams to be submitted. Be sure to include in your exam answers all resources on which you relied. And, of course, all answers must be offered in your own words.

Online Tutoring and Support Sessions will be offered on a quarterly basis with Mr. David Benway, during which you may raise questions and receive support as needed.

Please note the instructions accompanying the packet of four exams.

Mr. Benway will evaluate each exam and notify you if your answers are sufficient. If, however, your answers don’t demonstrate the expected proficiency, you will be given specific feedback, guidance, and support as needed. You will also have the opportunity to clarify your answers or submit additional work to assist you in succeeding on each of the exams. 

Questions may be addressed to Canon Gary Meade or:

Mr. David Benway, Director of Licensed Lay Ministry Education
512 Elmwood St., Vicksburg MS 39180
601-218-1093 • davben@bellsouth.net

Lay Worship Leaders serving in The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi may be licensed only after completing the training objectives outlined below in each of the following four areas:

1 — The Word of God

The Bible is, of course, central to our worship. At least 70% of the Book of Common Prayer is derived directly from Scripture. Effective Lay Worship Leaders must have a basic understanding of Scripture and its use in worship. This includes knowledge of:

• • The structure and elements of the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments as well as the Apocrypha;

  • The translations authorized for use in The Episcopal Church;

  • Basic principles of Biblical interpretation; and

  • The Lectionary—the arrangement of lessons appointed for the Daily Office, Sundays, other occasions.

2 — The Doctrine of the Church

Our worship is rooted not only in Scripture but also in our doctrine, our core beliefs as Christians and especially as Episcopalians. Lay Worship Leaders must be able to demonstrate familiarity with:

• • The essential statements of our faith found in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds; and

  • The “Outline of the Faith, Commonly Called the Catechism” (BCP 845).

3 — The History of the Church

Our rich traditions are a reflection of our deep and meaningful history. Lay Worship Leaders are expected to understand the most significant events in the history both of our faith and the development of The Episcopal Church.

4 — The Liturgy of the Church

All of the above provide the foundation for our Liturgy, the expression and practice of our worship of God. Lay Worship Leaders can both assist clergy during worship and can also be the primary leaders at Episcopal services. Leaders must know:

• • What the leader is authorized to do—and what the leader is not authorized to do;

  • Under whose authority the leader serves and to whom the leader reports;

  • How to convert a Sunday Eucharist Service to a Morning Prayer Service;

  • How to plan worship, including 

    • understanding and being able to choose among the options available;

    • the ability to determine appropriate psalms and readings;

    • preparing the worship space;

    • coordinating with other worship leaders (e.g., musicians and lectors); and

    • keeping a record of the services.