On Saturday 5 July, Guildford Cathedral was filled with music, prayer, and celebration as the Diocese of Guildford gathered to honour the ministry of lay people across the region.
The Lay Ministry Celebration service marked a significant milestone for 28 Lay Associate Ministers (LAMs), who were blessed after completing the inaugural two-year Foundations in Ministry (FiM) course. Alongside them, two new Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) were admitted, and six existing LLMs were re-licensed in a moving and memorable service.
Presided over by the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, the service centred on the Gospel reading from Luke 10, reminding all present of the call to go out and share peace, healing, and the good news of God’s Kingdom. Bishop Andrew’s sermon was both inspiring and affirming, celebrating the diverse gifts and callings of lay ministers and encouraging them to continue shining their light in their communities.
Graham Everness, Registrar of LLMs, reflected on the occasion:
“The service of celebration was a wonderful occasion, a time of relaxed and joyful worship combined with a duly-respectful marking of the faithful step these ministers are taking in stepping out into new areas of service for God.”
Among those stepping into new ministry were Jo Franklin and Sara Holland, both newly admitted LLMs. Jo’s journey began when she was invited to help lead a service during a church vacancy:
“I really enjoyed it and was encouraged to continue, as well as trying preaching. Stepping forward to be an LLM seemed the obvious next thing to do to serve the church.”
Sara’s path was shaped by years of pastoral service and a growing sense of calling.
“I started this journey with much passion and struggling with studies, life balance, and imposter syndrome, I became broken. But through God's grace, the support of my peers and tutors, and the assurance of my calling, I’ve become stronger.”
She likens her journey to the Japanese art of Kintsugi—where broken pottery is repaired with gold: “It doesn’t hide the cracks; it honours them, making the object more beautiful for having been broken.”
The 28 LAMs blessed during the service also reflected on their time in the FiM programme with deep appreciation. One participant shared:
“This has been honestly brilliant! The teaching has been so inspiring, informative and supportive.”
Another added:
“The tutors are amazing and an inspiration. We very rarely took breaks as we preferred to carry on and just learn. Superb.”
Others spoke of the course’s impact on their ministry:
“I feel the teaching has been a brilliant start to my chaplaincy ministry,” and “The mix of teaching and breadth of pastoral care contexts has given a really good broad overview of the specialism.”
A special moment in the service was the presentation to Matt Grove, FiM Programme Lead, who is moving to a new role in the Diocese of Portsmouth. Matt’s leadership and dedication to the FiM programme were warmly acknowledged, with heartfelt thanks for his role in shaping and supporting this pioneering cohort.
Music played a central role in the celebration, with hymns and worship songs beautifully led by Andrew Shaw, one of the re-licensed LLMs, on piano. The service concluded with a joyful rendition of “You Shall Go Out With Joy,” as the newly blessed and licensed ministers processed out to the sound of clapping hands and smiling faces—a fitting end to a truly uplifting occasion.
Feeling inspired?
If you’re sensing a call to deepen your faith, serve your community, or explore ministry in a new way, the Foundations in Ministry course could be your next step. Whether you're drawn to pastoral care, preaching, chaplaincy, or simply want to grow in confidence and understanding, FiM offers a supportive and enriching environment to discern and develop your calling.
Find out more, including how to apply, on our Formation and Training page.
