Photo: Bishop Jonathan (centre), joins those licensed on Saturday 10 May, along with members of the Mission and Ministry Development Team (Mandy Holloway, Warden of Lay Readers (far left), the Rev Dr Andrew Dunlop, Director of Mission and Ministry Development (centre-back) and the Rev Jane Winter, Deputy Director of Mission and Ministry Development (far right)
On Saturday 10 May ten people were licensed into the diocese as Licensed Lay Ministers (LLM), and three as Children and Young People Lay Workers.
An LLM and Lay Worker is a lay person who has been licensed by the Bishop to undertake a ministry in and on behalf of the church.
Their roles and responsibilities will vary according to the gifts and abilities of the individual, and the needs of their parish or ministry setting.
During the service, each candidate made oaths confirming how they would live out their ministry
As they were admitted into their roles, they each received a copy of the Holy Scriptures and also their licenses, as well as a pin badge from their supporting parish.
Before the service, the candidates were asked to reflect on their journey of faith and what being licensed would mean to them. Here is what they had to say:
Marius Carboni – Shipbourne with Plaxtol
I have surprised myself about how much I have developed my call to ministry over these last three years, due in large part to the unwavering support of my incumbent Reverend Peter Hayler, our Associate Rector Reverend Mark Packer, my Formation Team, the churches in my benefice, the Bishop’s Certificate and Lay Ministry course leaders, and my wonderful close family.
The breadth of subjects taught, the time set aside for discussion with colleagues and the openness and knowledge of the module leaders has provided me with the tools to change, serve and grow my missional calling. I believe that my LLM training has helped me continue to, as Philippians 4:13 says, find ‘strength for anything through him who gives me the power’ – something I have received, especially in these last few tough years coping with a family living bereavement.
I hope that what I have learnt so far shall give me the where-with-all to serve in my benefice through compassion, courage and creativity, aims that all of us do our best to pursue through the Word of God.
Janet Smikle – Beckenham St George and St Barnabas
I would just like to put into words what this day means to me. I first got the call about 5 years ago in my own living room from God telling me that he has work for me to do, but I was not sure of how to respond to the call, however opening my heart and ears to the call, I was directed to the attend the It's your Calling day.
That was 5 years ago. It was after attending the It's your Calling day I knew there and then that God was calling me to do his work. Four years of hard studies, writing assignments and essays, were no easy feat, but I pushed through.
In Jeremiah chapter 29: 11 says this " For I know the plans and the purpose I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". I now know that my future lies with God in doing his work going forward I cannot wait to take up my role as an LLM. I thank him for calling me to ministry.
Today I will take my vows as a bride to her husband, but my vows will to be to that of my God. I feel honoured proud and elated to have been selected as an LLM in the Church of England.
Keith Howick – Beckenham St Paul
The last three years have been a rich and well-balanced mixture of learning and formation. I have learned both to be vulnerable and confident in being vulnerable, with the Lord as the cornerstone on which to build a life of service in a leadership role.
To share this journey of change and discovery with a group of wonderfully different people, led encouragingly and engagingly by tutors and supported by learning advisors, has been life changing.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue to be part of the Leadership Team at St. Paul’s in Beckenham. There is a strong sense that the Lord is present and that we have work to do in reaching out to our community to build warm relationships and grow together in Christ as we journey together.
There is excitement and expectation about the future as our church fellowship grows joyfully in number, depth and diversity, and I am looking forward to serving and playing my part in building God’s Kingdom in Beckenham. As well as sharing in leading worship and preaching, I sense that I may be serving also in a pastoral context.
I look forward also to continuing to serve in the Beckenham Deanery and through membership of Diocesan Synod with increased confidence and excitement, all working for God’s Kingdom.
Julie Portland – Chatham St Paul with All Saints
I encountered the fierce, tender presence of God beside my nan’s deathbed—a moment that changed everything. Though I didn’t have the words for it then, I now know that was when Christ broke into my chaos with love and purpose.
Twenty-three years ago, I began training for lay ministry with the overwhelming sense that “I can’t do this.” The academic demands awakened old fears of failure and echoed the pain of a difficult past. But Christ never let go. Through all the doors I have walked through—even when they led to the wilderness of life, through illness, loss, stigma, and silence - He remained my anchor.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) became not just a verse, but a lifeline.
That same faithful God has brought me to this moment. As I stand on the threshold of being licensed as a Lay Minister, I do so not in my own strength, but in the strength of Christ.
Now rooted at St. Paul’s with All Saints, I feel a deep excitement and sense of call. God is stirring something new—calling me into service, community, healing and hope. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... (Jeremiah 29:11). To God be the glory.
Terry Whittaker - Rainham
It’s amazing that a journey that started 34 years ago when my wife announced we’d not marry unless I made a serious exploration of faith, has led me to today.
The journey has traced a path that I would never have conceived and it is only in looking backwards that I see the hand of God at work throughout. I am so thankful for the support of my immediate family, and my family in Christ, who have all played an important part in the journey and am humbled by Christs calling in this regard.
I am excited by today and this new season of ministry which it enables. I wholly trust that God will reveal his plan for me within the life of St Margaret’s and our community in Rainham.
Joan Gould – Southfleet and Istead Rise
The fulfilment of this licensing service marks a personal and spiritual point in my journey of faith, with the emphasis being on my calling to serve the Lord, and work within the community.
Tim Harrold - Rusthall
The mirror has the potential to be a source of disquiet when you are not comfortable with what you see. In the years prior to starting my training, I came across and talked to many who were struggling with homelessness, addictions, mental health and loneliness.
Those experiences combined with a desire to explore the mysteries of faith provided the genesis to my journey. Being licensed is an important stepping stone on my journey. With it comes a recognition that the work of expanding God's kingdom remains as important as ever.
There is every reason to be excited about the future of our Church as we seek to grow the body of Christ. Throughout the last three years, I have been humbled by the level of support I have received from my own parish and my license is a tribute to each and every one of them. I look forward to continuing as their servant in Christ.
Seye Adetunmbi – Northfleet and Rosherville
It is the day the Lord has made and it is marvellous in my eyes. I rejoice on the LLM and I am very glad in it. (Psalm 118:23-24). My licensing as a Lay Minister in the Church of England is the Lord’s doing indeed.
It is a thing of joy for me that I am given the opportunity to grow more, spiritually and continue with what I have been doing over the years by making it possible for me to be of service in the vineyard of God through the lay ministry in the United Kingdom. I sincerely appreciate the Diocese of Rochester for this privilege.
As a keen churchman, I derive happiness from being able to deploy my God given talents among the Christian faithful and for the benefit of the mankind generally. With the conviction that God made this possible, I believe that my heavenly father will empower me with the enablement to function fruitfully as a licensed lay minister.
It is a call to duty and I am humbled by being deemed worthy of being charged with the tasks ahead. To whom much is given, much is expected. This has further inspired me to be more committed to my callings as a servant of God. It is certainly a spirit lifting day for me.
Hearty congratulations to my other colleagues inaugurated to the Lay Ministry on May 10, 2025 in England. May God bless our ministries in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
"A good tree never begeth a bad fruit' - Matthew 7:18
Sue Shepherd – West Sevenoaks Team Ministry
When asked to put my thoughts on paper as to what today means to me, the first word that came to mind was ‘Everything’. That is all well and good but that’s not very enlightening. I know what I mean by that, but you probably won’t.
Psalm 121 has always had a special place in my heart. Ever since I sung it in a quartet of women’s voices, it has hung around in my head. Why has it done that? The answer is that the words are symbolic of God’s efforts at getting through to me.
He never slumbered. He never slipped nor wavered. He never gave up. He kept on drip, drip, dripping his will into me until I finally had to start listening. Once I did that, I never looked back.
I started off by joining a Bible Study group. That wasn’t enough. I started reading the Bible in services. That wasn’t enough. I started leading the Intercession prayers. Yes, you’ve guessed it, that wasn’t enough, either! At this point, I didn’t know what else I could do until my incumbent at the time suggested I attended an It’s your Calling Day. Well, I was certainly being called, that much was beyond doubt.
What I was being called to do was still a bit hazy. I decided to go along and keep ears and heart open.
Sadly, Covid hit and put all plans on hold for a couple of years, but once everything opened up again, I got myself enrolled on the Bishop’s Certificate Foundation Course. Naturally, that wasn’t enough either.
I put myself forward to be considered for LLM training, passed the interview panel and here I am, standing in front of you all being Licensed. Is this enough? I will let you know!
What I do know is that today is simply the proudest I have ever been and will probably ever be. Standing here, in front of you all, undertaking to do God’s work amongst you, growing his Kingdom in your hearts and in our community is what I was born to do. I feel very honoured and also humble to be walking alongside you in faith.
God bless you, each and every one.
Andrew Hill – Bexley Team Ministry
Becoming an LLM shows I have been through a period of consideration, prayer and recognised learning giving confidence in what I do to those I walk with in the church and the wider community. It also gives me the opportunity to develop my ministry further.
Children and Young People Lay Workers
Elizabeth Clitheroe - Shoreham, St Peter and St Paul
I am greatly touched and blessed that St Peter and St Paul's Shoreham have put me forward to be licensed.
My journey with families and young people has grown particularly over the past 10 years, where I have led Messy Church and Children's church, but I have been working with children for some 25 years!
In the past three years, whilst working at Shoreham, I have helped to set up and lead a thriving stay and play, which has provided important outreach for families and children within Shoreham, but has reached the wider community as well. It's been a blessing to be part of this ministry and see its growth.
We recently also ran our first Messy Church, and pray that this will thrive in the same way, offering a variety of activities and opportunity for those that come along. I am also continually grateful for the support I have from family and friends within the roles I do, and the church communities I am part of.
Rachael Hosier - Tonbridge, St Stephen
God gave me a passion for working with children and young people from an early age. Through my parents' involvement in Christian youth and children's work and camps, I became a leader in our church children's work as soon as I was old enough at age 16.
After leaving school, I trained as a primary teacher, and for many years (more than I like to count!), I have served in youth and children's work alongside my career.
At various times over the years, I considered and even applied for paid youth and children's roles but each time God closed the door.
However, in God's perfect timing, and when I least expected it, there became the opportunity to serve as the Youth and Children's Pastor at St Stephen's Tonbridge. Being licensed today marks the next step as part of growing God's Kingdom in south Tonbridge and beyond.
Sharon Stirman - Wilmington, St Michael and All Angels
As a 12-year-old, I sang the words, 'One life to live, O may I live for thee! Give me your Spirit, and I shall be free,' and I knew I wanted to live my life for God, knowing his forgiveness and unwavering love for me.
As I now look back, I am so thankful to God for always being there for me through all the ups and downs, and at times, even carrying me. For giving me wonderful supportive people in my life and for leading me to where I am today,
It is such a privilege and joy to work with children, young people, and families within St Michael's and the local community of Wilmington, and I am excited as to how God will further use me in this ministerial role, and the plans He has for me moving forward.
May my life continue to be lived for Him, giving Him praise and glory.
Explore how God may be calling you. Visit www.rochester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/gods-plan-for-you/