Eight volunteers have taken the next step in their faith journeys after being officially licensed as Lay Ministers at a special service held at Bristol Cathedral.
The ceremony, which took place on Saturday 10th October, saw volunteers from different backgrounds come together as they prepared to take on new responsibilities within churches and communities across Swindon, North Wiltshire, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
The service was led by the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon, who formally admitted and licensed the eight new ministers.
While many people might associate church ministry with ordained priests, Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) are volunteers who undertake training through the Diocese before taking on leadership, teaching and pastoral responsibilities within their local parishes.
They work alongside parish priests, helping churches reach beyond their Sunday services and into the communities around them.
For this latest group, that will mean everything from supporting people living in rural and farming communities to providing companionship and spiritual care for elderly residents in nursing homes.
Others will be involved in developing new community projects, pastoral support and helping local churches connect with the people they serve.
From farming and the emergency services to church ministry
Among those licensed was John Bordiss, whose working life has included farming, service in the Royal Navy and a career in policing.
As he approached retirement, John felt that becoming a Licensed Lay Minister was a natural next chapter, allowing him to use his experience to support others.
He said:
“After years in farming and in service with the Royal Navy and the police, I’ve learned a lot about myself and others through these experiences.
“As I drew closer to the end of my secular work and into my retirement, I felt a strong calling towards Licensed Lay Ministry; it felt like the most natural thing to do, like coming home and being where I belong.”
John hopes to concentrate much of his ministry on rural and farming communities, offering support to those facing difficult times.
Supporting older people through chaplaincy
Another of the newly licensed ministers, Lynsey-Ruth McDonagh, is already making a difference through her chaplaincy work at MHA Hartcliffe Nursing Home.
For Lynsey-Ruth, the role is about far more than providing religious services. It is also about spending time with residents, listening to their experiences and offering companionship during the later stages of their lives.
Speaking about her work, she said:
“Ever since I stepped into chaplaincy, it’s felt a natural fit. Like a pair of comfy slippers – but with the occasional stone thrown in for good measure!
“Serving as a chaplain in a nursing home is a huge privilege – being there for the residents, listening to their stories and nurturing their faith in the twilight of their lives.”
Eight volunteers begin new chapter
The eight people admitted and licensed during the service were John Bordiss, Claire Hayward, Lynsey-Ruth McDonagh, Hosea Njoroge (known as Tony), Ana Nsi Nchama, Laura Thomas, Ricarda Todd and Mary Bell.
Each brings different experiences and skills to their new position, with their work expected to support a variety of needs across the Diocese of Bristol.
The Diocese covers communities throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Wiltshire and Swindon, with its churches involved in a wide range of local activities and support services.
Although the newly licensed ministers will serve in different settings, their shared role will be to support parish life and provide an additional point of contact for those seeking guidance, practical help or spiritual support.
For many of the volunteers, the licensing service marks the beginning of a new chapter of community service alongside their existing commitments.
Further information about the work of the Diocese and opportunities to get involved in local church life can be found on the Diocese of Bristol website
