Lay preacher
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Læstadian lay preacher from Finnmark, Norway, 1898
Lay preacher is a preacher or a religious proclaimer who is not a formally ordained cleric and who does not hold a formal university degree in theology. Lay preaching varies in importance between religions and their sects. Although lay preachers in many Christian denominations may be accorded titles such as Reverend or Pastor as a courtesy by people – including those in their congregation – it is only once a priest, cleric, minister or reverend has been ordained that he/she can correctly adopt that title.[1]
Movements which encourage lay preachership include:
- Awakening (Lutheran movement, especially see Hans Nielsen Hauge, Paavo Ruotsalainen, and lay preachers organized by Lars Levi Laestadius)
- Methodist local preacher
- Lay speaker (United Methodist Church)
- Lay reader (Anglican communion)
- Plymouth Brethren
- Lay ecclesial ministry (Catholic), see also Bo Sanchez and Hippolytus Guarinonius
- The United Reformed Church (England)
- Unitarian & Free Christian Accredited Lay Preacher (Great Britain)
See also
- Lay presidency, celebrating the Lord's Supper while unordained
- Lay brother (lay sister)
- Lay leader
- Practicing without a license
- Universal priesthood
References
- ^ Best Practices for Guest for Preachers in Unitarian Universalist Pulpits (PDF). UUA. Summer 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
Be aware that the title “Reverend” applies to ministers who have been ordained. Some ministers are in candidate status, or otherwise have not earned the “Rev.” title.
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