Welcome to this page supporting lay preaching and those who ensure there is someone to lead Sunday worship.
Lay Preaching is a ministry valued by the United Reformed Church. Few churches have 100% full time Ministers and for those times when a Minister is not available the URC relies on others with the gifts and skills to lead worship just as in the early church. Churches are always looking for new preachers, and we are keen to help people identify and answer a vocation to lead worship and preach. Regular training opportunities are offered for new and existing Lay Preachers and Worship Leaders, including financial support for that training. Please see the webpage here
This page is under construction but comments are very welcome to ensure it meets the needs of those working in local churches, Please drop an email
Lay Preaching
Between 2018-2024 around 100 URC members in Southern Synod undertook Synod-designed training led by Rev Andy Twilley, to equip them to preach in local URC churches within the Synod Area – termed Synod Recognised Lay Preachers (to 2023) or Locally Recognised Worship Leaders (from 2024) They join those who had previously undertaken the URC StepWise course and successfully completed an assessment. Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers have undertaken a more detailed 2-year course and are qualified to preach across the URC rather than just local churches or those with which they have a connection.
A national handbook for Lay Preachers has been developed by the national URC Ministries Committee which is being rolled out across the Synod with a cover note from the Moderator here (link to be provided)
- Local Area Lay Preaching Co-Ordinators are on hand to help you with any questions or queries about your role and to support those thinking of undertaking training.
- They are – South East London – John Twidale
- South West London – Christine Thompson
- Kent and East Sussex – Janet Monkhouse and Angela Rigby (West)
- Central Sussex – Paul Woods
- Surrey and Sussex – Ellie Bunker
Pulpit Supply
Responsibility for ensuring the quality and content of the preaching in a church lies with the elders, although in many churches an individual volunteer administers the process. It is important that what is preached from the pulpit aligns with the theology, beliefs and practice of the URC and that the person leading worship is ‘of good standing’. Securing a preacher is much more than finding a willing volunteer; a checklist and guidance is in preparation to support pulpit supply volunteers and elders in their work.
For more details or to be involved in developing guidance please contact Sue Eardley, Secretary to Synod Ministries Committee here
Authorised Elders
Two elders should be nominated by each URC church to preside at communion and baptisms (the Sacraments) where it is not possible for a URC Minister to lead. Authorised elders should be approved by church meeting and their names referred to the Area Pastoral Committee for Authorisation. They should attend a one-day initial training course which is arranged by the Synod Training Officer as demand requires, and “refresh” the training, usually through a shorter update, every three years. Each Synod Area has its own arrangements for managing Authorised elders and ensuring the register is up to date. Please contact your Church Secretary in the first instance if you are interested in presiding. All Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers are automatically authorised to preside in churches where they are preaching but it is also appropriate for a local Authorised Elder to lead that part of the worship.
Safer recruitment
There is guidance on safer recruitment of those who lead worship on the URC Website This was agreed at General Assembly in 2024.
Page last updated November 2025