A range of competencies underpins the office of a Local Lay-Pastor. The competencies provide an outline of the giftings, knowledge and skills that a Local Lay-Pastor needs for the role. The learning and development pathway for Local Lay-Pastors has been developed from these competencies and enables Local Lay-Pastors to reflect on their role to deepen their theological understanding and practice.
A working group of representatives from across the Connexion who had experience of people in similar roles to that of a Local Lay-Pastor worked together to develop the competencies. Therefore they provide a framework of the common knowledge and skills across different contexts, while still maintaining the flexibility for Local Lay-Pastors to respond to God’s calling, and local needs and opportunities.
The competencies are split into three phases of development: early, core and further. Early competencies are those that are expected in the early stages of a Local Lay-Pastors development, either at interview before taking up the role, or by the end of the probation period.
The core competencies provide the level of competency needed to be accredited as a Local Lay-Pastor. This accreditation takes place at the end of the first two years in the role and the learning and development opportunities during this time enable a Local Lay-Pastor to demonstrate they are meeting all of the core competencies.
The further development competencies are provided to enable Local Lay-Pastors to continue to develop and deepen their understandings and practice even further. The role of a Local Lay-Pastor is a continual journey of learning – as is all ministry as part of the whole people of God.
The LLP Competencies Grid provides an overview of all the competencies. The LLP Competencies (Assessment) Grid provides an overview of how these competencies are developed during the training period (the first two years in the role).