God gives every believer spiritual gifts to be used as effectively as possible in the work of His kingdom.
Lay preaching is one way a person, with the relevant gifts, can serve.
Our aim should not be to simply engage folk in a “process”, but to enable, equip & envision men & women to become lay preachers and worship leaders who will make a dynamic difference for the Kingdom of God.
Is God calling you to become a Lay Preacher or Worship Leader?
Read more about the pathway to lay preaching here
You will join a wonderful community of lay preachers and worship leaders in Southern Synod and the wider URC who provide a backbone of support to their own and neighbouring congregations.
Synod training has been redesigned for 2026 and is led by our new Training and Development Officer, Dr Charisa Hunter-Crump.
For an initial discussion please contact your local Area Lay Preaching co-ordinator or Deirdre Harrison, Synod Lay Preaching Advocate.
Southern Synod also run a Sacraments course, equipping elders proposed by their churches to preside at Communion and Baptism as Authorised Elders, supported by their Area Pastoral or Executive Committee
Read more about becoming a Locally Recognised Worship Leader or Assembly Accredited Lay Preacher on the URC website here
Page updated 16 April 2026