In 2011-2012 the Uniting Church conducted a national review of the ministry of lay preacher, surveying lay worship leaders and preachers, ministers, church councils and presbyteries. The research was undertaken on behalf of the Working Group on Lay Specified Ministries of the Uniting Church in Australia. I was the Convenor and research supervisor. Lynne Taylor (now Dr Taylor) was the research officer.
The aims of the review were to assess the role, selection, training requirements and oversight of Lay Preachers. However the review included a broader investigation into the roles and experiences of lay worship leaders and preachers in the Uniting Church.
Survey Instruments
Survey responses were received from 979 lay leaders, 100 ministers, 208 responses and 21 presbyteries.
Initial Report of Review Findings
Final report of the review to the Ministerial Education Committee
FINAL REPORT ON THE REVIEW – Exec Summary
FINAL REPORT ON THE REVIEW – JULY 2013
Recommendations to the Uniting Church’s Assembly Standing Committee arising from the report.