Lay people are called in the Book of Common Prayer to “take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church” (p. 855). Certain ministries performed within a congregation are required to be licensed by the Bishop to provide standardization and accountability. The priest or designated leader is responsible to oversee the formation and ministry of lay leaders.

Training Guidelines for Licensed Ministries

The Commission on Ministry has developed training guidelines for licensed ministries for use in congregations.
Training Guidelines for Licensed Ministries

Forms for Licensed Ministries

Request forms for Licensed Ministries for Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, and Eucharistic Visitor. Please use these forms for newly trained lay persons, request renewal of expired licenses, as well as indicate persons that are no longer active.
View/download license request forms

Guidelines

1) Review Title III, Canon 4, Of Licensed Ministries, as revised by General Convention 2003.

2) Persons serving as Licensed Ministers are required to have training in Safe Church, Safe Communities. See Chart of Epected Trainings.

3) Licenses in Iowa are valid for three calendar years.

4) Return completed and signed licensed ministry forms for newly trained, renewals, or removal to:

Office of the Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
225 - 37th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312

5) Include a copy of the outline of the training that was used to prepare lay persons to serve.