Lay Ministry

For Those Discerning a Call to Deeper Lay Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) groups are located throughout the Diocese of Virginia and are a wonderful way to engage with a mentored group who want to focus more on Holy Scripture, tradition, and reason as tools for ministry.
Continuing education courses on specific topics of ministry are available through seminary-affiliated programs such as Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary (local); Pathways for Baptismal Living at Bexley Seabury (hybrid and online); and the Center for Anglican Leadership and Learning at CDSP (online)
Formal training at seminaries in non-ordained degree programs (ex: MTS, MA) is designed for theological education that informs our lives, prepares people to deliver high-quality Christian education, and to support parishes through lay discipleship. Contact our Vocations Minister for a conversation about the theological education options for lay professionals.
Spiritual direction may be a call to explore as a lay person or as an ordained person. Spiritual directors guide and accompany people through deep listening and presence.
Learn more about becoming a Spiritual Director:

Lay professionals: communications, youth ministry, administration, finance, parish and diocesan ministries.
Licensed lay ministers: parish-level service as Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic Visitors, Licensed Lay Preachers, Licensed Worship Leaders.
Service for the Church: Parish leadership, Regional leadership, diocesan leadership, Provincial and Church-Wide Leadership (task groups, elected/appointed leadership, committees, representatives/delegates, etc.).
Our Commissions and Committees need the experience and leadership of lay people!
Christian education: parish, church-affiliated schools, community programs.
Vocational pathways blending faith and service: social work, education, health professions, public service, non-profit leadership, etc.