Licensed Lay Ministry
Lay ministry comes in many forms, but some ministries require a license from the ecclesiastical authority in the diocese. All licensed lay ministers are encouraged to join the diocesan commitment to the four-fold path of Becoming Beloved Community: truth-telling, proclamation, formation, and justice.
All those seeking a lay license in the diocese must have completed two pre-requisites prior to applying for licensure: Safe Church and Dismantling Racism.
Unless otherwise stated on your certificate, all licenses expire on the eve of Advent 1, Year A, or upon transfer of membership outside of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Those seeking renewal should submit their application after this date.
- All licenses issued prior to November 29, 2025 have expired and are eligible for renewal
- Licenses issued after November 30, 2025 will expire December 2, 2028
Lay Licensing Process
Eucharistic Visitor, Eucharistic Minister, Worship Leader, Preacher, Evangelist, Catechist, Pastoral Leader
To receive a new or renewed lay license:
- Complete Dismantling Racism training.
- Complete Safe Church training.
- If applying for a new license, complete appropriate training through congregational clergy, a licensed minister, diocesan trainers, an online course, or a combination of these, depending on the license sought.
Overview of Lay Licenses
Pre-Requisites
Safe Church Certification
It is the responsibility of all congregational clergy and leadership to safeguard children, youth, vulnerable adults, and employees from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. Safe Church training helps clergy, staff, and volunteers understand the requisite policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in ministry.
Please visit the Safe Church Training page to learn about requirements and training opportunities.
Dismantling Racism Training
Dismantling Racism Training is open to everyone as the first step in taking part in our diocesan commitment to Becoming Beloved Community and working “diligently and to pray fervently for the transformation of ourselves and of our communities of faith to dismantle racism and injustice in all of their forms” (Resolution 2018-03: Becoming Beloved Community). While the training is required for all clergy, staff, lay leaders, volunteers, and contract workers, all members of the Diocese of Southern Ohio are encouraged to sign up.
See upcoming Dismantling Racism trainings on the Beloved Community Page.
Alternative Training Information
If you are not able to participate in a training session from the Diocese of Southern Ohio, you are invited to participate in a training through the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing online. Once you complete this training, please forward your certificate to Miriam McKenney to have this noted in our diocesan files.
Formation Opportunities
Lay Preacher Training Program
Our diocese offers a year-long program of formation for laypersons seeking a preaching license.
Our diocesan Lay Preacher Training Program offers comprehensive and in-depth training in the theory and practice of preaching to form effective, confident, and passionate licensed lay preachers for our church. The course, which utilizes curriculum from the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, includes regular study of scripture and theology, exegesis strategies, and practical homiletics. The cornerstone of the program is preaching to feedback, both to peers within the cohort and regularly in the student’s home congregation.
