Photo: Six new Licensed Lay Ministers stand with Bishop Jonathan outside Rochester Cathedral
On Saturday 11 May, at a joyful service in Rochester Cathedral, six people were admitted and licensed as Lay Ministers to serve in parishes across the Diocese of Rochester.
Those being licensed were:
- Pippa Hillen (Bidborough St Lawrence and Southborough St Peter)
- Louise Shrubsole (Chatham St Mary and St John)
- Jaki Musker (Kent Downs & Malling Team)
- Robert Dammers (Pembury)
- Martin Clay (Southborough St Thomas)
- Antonietta Adeboye Ogundimu (Strood St Francis)
A Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) is a lay person - not ordained - who has been given authority by the Bishop to undertake ministry in and on behalf of the Church.
The types of roles, responsibilities, and duties carried out by an LLM can vary according to the gifts and abilities of the individual, the needs of their parish or ministry setting, and the context of their life.
Reflecting on the occasion, Pippa Hillen, LLM for Bidborough St Lawrence and Southborough St Peter said:
"This day marks a significant point in my journey with Christ. It is the end of a blessed three years of training alongside wonderful people who have become special friends and prayer partners."
She continued:
"I am so grateful to all who have supported me including my family, church family, formation team and spiritual director – and I look forward to seeing where God leads me in service as a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM)."
For Antonietta Adeboye Ogundimu, LLM for Strood St Francis, being licensed was an incredible moment:
"Getting to the point where I’m being licensed as a LLM is awesome. I’m still pinching myself! It has taken three years; however, I have seen God’s hands, leading and guiding me through."
Speaking at the service, Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Rochester, thanked the candidates for being willing to respond to God's call in their lives.
He reminded them that God had called each of them by name to carry out this ministry:
"This is so important as we exercise ministry of leadership in the Church - because none of us can do this on our own strength - we need to know we are doing this not by our own choice - but because God has called us by name and made us his own. We exercise our ministry through the blessing of God and under the authority of God."
During the service, a special presentation was also made to Canon Karen Senior, giving thanks for her work and dedication, as she retires as Warden of Lay Ministry this year.
The service was livestreamed on the Diocese of Rochester's YouTube channel - watch below.
To explore how God may be calling you, visit our God's Plan for You pages