Licensing of Lay Preachers in the Diocese of Kentucky
Canon III.4.5. - A Preacher is a lay person authorized to preach. Persons so authorized shall only preach in congregations under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
Licensing of lay preachers is both a present need and will be a vital part of our Diocese’s future. Licensed Lay Preachers need to be faithful members of a congregation, who have completed Education for Ministry (EfM), or an equivalent Biblical education program. EfM is a four-year formation program from Sewanee University, focused on scripture, theology, and Christian history.
The path toward a lay license to preach is largely the same for congregations with or without installed clergy, such as a Rector or Priest-in-Charge, though for congregations without Congregational Clergy, a Supervising Clergy person will be assigned to the lay license process to aid in the formation process. The Commission on Ministry receives these applications and makes recommendations to the Bishop on the license once the process is fully completed.
All forms can be sent digitally to the Chair of the Commission on Ministry:
The Rev. Delinda Buie at com@episcopalky.org.
Once administered by the Bishop, each license to preach in the Diocese of Kentucky is only applicable to the specific congregation(s) named on the application and lasts for two years, but is eligible for renewal.
The full packet of information on the Lay Preaching License Process can be downloaded here: Licensing of Lay Preachers.
Information for Supervising Clergy can be downloaded here: Information for Supervising Clergy
Forms Required During the Process
Request to Enter the Lay Preaching Licensing Process
Letter of Recommendation from Rector/Supervising Clergy
