Lay Ministry Licensure
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina offers several trainings lay persons can take to strengthen their ministry in their communities, including worship leader training, Eucharistic minster training, and Eucharistic visitor training. After completing 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 by mail (1115 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201; ATTN Lay Licensure).
*Individuals seeking a Eucharistic Visitor license must complete Safe Church, Safe Communities training before submitting their license request form. It is recommended that rectors/vicars not sign off on request forms until completion of Safe Church training has been confirmed.
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 the Rev. Canon Stephen Rhoades.
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
