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, Claire Thomson explains her experience of training to become a Reader as before she is licensed this month, October.

 

Becoming a Reader (also known as a Licensed Lay Minister) is something that has been ‘bubbling away’ in Claire, 70, for several years – and she’s looking forward to leading in her new role, wherever she’s needed, after licensing.

Claire, who grew up in Somerset, moved to Cornwall in her late teens with her parents. She later returned to Cornwall in her mid-30s after working in law in London for over 10 years.

In Cornwall she took on further training and became a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. She specialised in Family Law in Truro before becoming a family practioner in Helston for 15 years.

Claire has also held an NHS administration role at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro in departments including safeguarding and child protection.

During this time, Claire’s been a dedicated member of the St Keverne Church where she’s given more than 25 years’ service – 10 years as PCC secretary, 10 years as Treasurer and a further six years as a Churchwarden.

She’s now spent the last few years training to become a Reader/LLM.

Claire says: “I think being a Reader was something that has been bubbling away under the surface for quite a few years.”

She first took part in the one-year Foundations in Christian Ministry course which comprised of listening and talking without the pressure of deadlines and assignments.

“The foundation course is very useful,” she says. “It gives you a chance to discern what your future is.

“I remember when I applied to be a Reader, I received a letter invite for an interview – the letter arrived on a Monday and the interview was on the following Saturday.  I had to prepare a little sermon and a bible study, and it was in front of three or four people – all Readers – at Church House in Truro.

“It was a very interesting experience which also included an interview in front of a panel including Bishop Hugh.

“Bishop Hugh telephoned me that night and said I had got through.”

Claire believes the course has been very helpful.

She says: “I studied with South West Ministry Training (SWMTC). The course consisted of Biblical Studies, Theology, Vocation and Professional Practice, Elements of Mission and Ministry; Christian Doctrine and along the way gained the knowledge and skills needed to be a Lay Minister in the Church of England.”

As part of her training, she had a placement in Budock and Falmouth.

“I met some lovely Christians, made new friends and very much enjoyed the experience.” – Claire

She remembers: “I went to see how other parishes do things, it was very interesting, I met some lovely Christians, made new friends and very much enjoyed the experience.”

During her time on the course, she has met new people from both Cornwall and Devon, as well as someone she’d known during her previous career.

She adds “It would be brilliant to see more people from Cornwall taking up the course.”

When Claire is licensed, she expects to become part of a team and work ‘where I am needed’.

“I’m still an apprentice, learning my craft,” she says. “You still get support and guidance – it is ongoing experience.

“I shall be part of a Ministry Team and am looking forward to the future.”