Lay Ministry Licensure
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina offers several trainings lay persons can take to strengthen their ministry in their communities, including Safe Church, Safe Communities training, worship leader training, and lay Eucharistic visitor training. While rectors and priests-in-charge can provide training for Eucharistic Ministers, training for Worship Leaders and Eucharistic Visitors are offered through Diocesan trainers. To obtain a list of trainers and to schedule a training session, contact Katelyn Kenney at [email protected] or 803-771-7800 ext. 105.
After completing this training, individuals requesting licensure submit the completed Licensed Ministries Request Form to the designated parish staff or clergy, who will send it to the Diocesan House either be mail (1115 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201; ATTN Lay Licensure) or email.
To be trained as a Pastoral Care giver, please participate in Community of Hope.
To seek a licensure for the other canonical ministries (Preacher, Catechist, and Evangelist), please contact Katelyn Kenney.
Licenses must be renewed every 5 years.
- To have your training put in the EDUSC Newsletter or Clergy Newsletter, please click HERE
- The sponsoring congregation will be responsible for copying the training materials, arranging for any refreshments, and paying the trainers' honorarium (currently $200 per class)
- The sponsoring congregation can determine how much to charge for the class (normal fee is $10-$15 per class) to offset costs
- Candidates for licenses from any congregation can attend any training session at their convenience. Individuals seeking licenses do need to function in their congregation under the supervision of a rector or priest-in-charge
Please be aware that Safe Church certification is required of all persons dealing with children or adults, including Eucharistic Visitors.
Please see the Licensed Ministries Request Form
