‘Lay’ Preacher 

There are those who are called to serve the church through a ministry of preaching while living out their primary Christian vocation in the wider world beyond the church.  Many serve in this capacity.  Some feel it is right to seek national recognition of their ministry. Your Association has been asked to share in the national recognition of Lay Preachers and it is to the Association that your church will commend you.
 
Once commended by your church and your association you can begin training with NBC.  This will involve part time study completing eight modules covering topics including:

• Two Bible modules
• Leading Worship
• Preaching
• Baptist Belief and Practice
• Theology and History
• Mission and Culture
• Personal Development and Formation

 
Teaching is at a level roughly equivalent to A level and leads to the award of an NBC certificate.  Modules are taught on a 3-year rolling programme called Learning At The Centre, held at the International Mission Centre, Birmingham.  The same programme is also taught in the Northern Baptist Association with the various modules being delivered on a flexible pattern in a variety of local churches.

The BU document Called to be a nationally recognised preacher gives further information.