St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Igbobi Layreaders

Layreaders

THE SECOND LEADERS OF THE CHURCH

A layreader is a trained and licensed member of the church who assists in worship and pastoral ministry without being ordained clergy. Their role is to support the spiritual life of the congregation by leading and offering pastoral care under the authority of the clergy . In essence, a lay reader bridges the gap between clergy and congregation, helping to strengthen worship, teaching, and outreach.

In St. Stephen’s Anglican Church our lay readers are now addressed as readers. They have a leader called Sir Sydney Chukwukelu; he is a Diocesan Reader, as are Diocesan Reader Levi N. Okezie and Diocesan Reader Lizzy Medoh.

DUTIES THAT READERS IN ST. STEPHEN’S  PERFORM

a) Worship Leadership

  • Leading non-sacramental services
  • Reading scripture during worship
  • Leading prayers and intercessions
  • Preaching or delivering sermons (where allowed).                                                                                                                                                                                                       b) Teaching and Discipleship
  • Teaching Bible studies, catechism classes, and small group
  • Explaining scripture and doctrine to help members grow spiritually                                                                                                                                                                     c) Pastoral Care
  • Visiting the sick, elderly, or homebound
  • Offering encouragement, prayer, and spiritual support
  • Support new believers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  d) Support of Church Ministries 
  • Assisting the clergy in administrative or ministry tasks
  • Engaging in evangelism and community outreach
  • Encouraging unity and participation within the congregation

MISSION OF A LAY READER

The mission of the reader’s in St. Stephen’s is to make scriptures understandable and relevant to every life, strengthening the body of christ through worship and service and extending God’s love through pastoral care and outreach

VISION OF A LAY READER

The vision of the reader’s in St. Stephen’s is to grow the church in a spiritual and mature way and also worshipping and uniting community

SIR SYDNEY CHUKWUKELU

Leader of  the Readers