There are many different ministries offered by a diverse range of people. The Diocese of Oxford wants to encourage all kinds of lay ministry, giving as much freedom as possible to the local church. As such, formal authorisation from the bishop is usually given only when this is required by the Church’s canon law.
There are currently three areas of ministry in the diocese which require a bishop's formal authorisation (not to be confused with a bishop's licence, which is what allows LLMs (Readers) and clergy to minister within the diocese):
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Preaching
Including responsibility for any talk or activity fulfilling the function of the sermon in a Service of the Word (including 'All-age' or 'Intergenerational' services);
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Leading services of public worship with Communion by Extension
Clarification on what constitutes communion by extension and who may conduct these services is given here;
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Lay funeral ministry
A growing area of ministry with significant pastoral responsibility.
The bishop’s authorisation gives you permission to exercise the relevant ministry within your parish or benefice, but it is up to your incumbent/ministry team when you are asked to do so. They are also responsible for supporting you in your ministry.
Process for obtaining authorisation
To receive a bishop's authorisation, you need the backing of your incumbent and PCC(s), usually expressed through a formal PCC resolution. You will also be asked to meet with a vocations adviser or area dean by way of providing a more 'external' reference as to your suitability for this public ministry.
With all this in place, your incumbent writes to your area bishop, advising them of this support, also including (i) details of your current DBS Disclosure and (ii) evidence of required Safeguarding training (initially, you will need to complete the 'Leadership' safeguarding learning pathway).
Your bishop would then issue an Initial Authorisation, usually without needing to make any further enquiries. This Initial Authorisation effectively allows you to begin ministering during a period of up to two years, and will stipulate the basic training you will be expected to undergo during this time.
On completion of all relevant training requirements, and so long as your DBS and safeguarding training are still current, you will then be able to apply for your initial authorisation to be renewed to a 'Full' Authorisation, which is normally renewable every five years (1-2 yrs if you are over 80).
You don't (probably shouldn't) need to do all the training before applying for initial authorisation. In fact, the point of the initial two-year authorisation is to 'legalise' the ministry you are conducting while you are also learning to do so!
Introductory leaflets
Introductory leaflets for those interested (or those whom you think might be interested) in exploring these ministries can be downloaded here:
- Authorised preaching introductory leaflet - Aug2025
- Authorised leading of services of communion by extension introductory leaflet - Aug2025
- Authorised lay funeral ministry introductory leaflet - Aug2025
Authorised Ministry Training Handbook
This handbook gives a full explanation of training requirements, creative assignment options and a range of resources to help with learning:
Training courses
Do join us for any of the training courses on offer.
Safeguarding and the Diocese of Oxford Local Ministry Programme
We take safeguarding seriously across all our learning and training events. Our safeguarding statement outlines our safeguarding commitments and how we uphold these.
Authorised Ministries: Full Policy & Procedures document
For a fuller appreciation of how the Authorised Ministry schemes operate, check out this formal policy and procedures document:
The Revd Dr Phil Cooke
Dean of Lay Ministry Training
01865 208 282