Local Leaders have always played a vital role in the life of the Church. This local leadership takes many forms, and, in this series, we will be meeting just some of the many different people sharing their gifts as Local Leaders in different ways.

In this article, Mary Wren explains why she is looking forward to becoming a Reader, now known as Licensed Lay Minister (LLM), in October 2025.

 

Education and teaching has long been a passion for Mary who attends St Cuby Church in Tregony – and now she is looking to use these skills as a Reader.

Mary, 65, lived in Rochester and worked as a Director of Sixth Form in a large East London comprehensive school before moving to Cornwall where she now helps train teachers.

Although she cannot pinpoint an exact moment when she became a Christian, she remembers being invited to church when she was a Brownie.

She says: “I grew up being a Christian.

“When I was seven, I started going to Brownies and they invited me to the church parades. I went to these, which led to me attending Sunday school. So I grew up in church. I can’t remember not following Jesus.”

Mary qualified as an Occasional Preacher whilst in Rochester Diocese. This meant she was able to preach in her church, St Mary’s, Speldhurst, every couple of months.

During Covid, the patterns of worship there developed significantly – the diocese relaxed the guidance and Mary was in the team planning, leading and teaching online.

When she moved to Cornwall, about two years ago, she investigated becoming a Reader so she could continue her calling.

She says: “I have found the course very interesting; there is a lot of stimulating teaching. We are encouraged to continually be aware of what God is calling us to and how He is equipping us. It is fun to meet the other people on the course, to share our different contexts, worship together and grow together.”

Mary believes becoming a Reader will enable her to give back.

She says: “I want to be able to preach and lead, to share the work of the ministry teams in the church and benefice and to serve the community.”

Mary recommends the course to anyone thinking about becoming a Reader and says: “You are learning new opportunities for ministry, step-by-step, using the skills and talents you have.

“You are supported to develop the gifts that God has given you.”