MORE than one hundred lay people have taken on new roles in the Diocese of Winchester.

The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, licensed 10 new Licensed Lay Ministers and Workers (LLMs and LLWs), and commissioned 102 new members of the Bishop’s Commission for Mission (BCM) this weekend at Winchester Cathedral.

The new LLMs, LLWs and BCMs were licensed in a packed service at Winchester Cathedral as friends and families supported the candidates launching into their new roles.

Bishop Tim said: “It is wonderful to see interest in this programme growing exponentially, with so many people embracing this new opportunity to answer God’s call to serve their communities and share their faith.

"As they begin their service in parishes across Hampshire and East Dorset, it is encouraging to see our capacity for mission increasing as we become a truly mission-shaped diocese.”

LLMs, previously known as Readers, are lay people who take on leadership roles in ministry and mission in the Church of England.

The Bishop’s Commission for Mission was created and established in the Diocese of Winchester in 2016 and since then over 160 people have taken part.

Rob Pullen, a software developer, has been commissioned through the Witness BCM and will serve at Christ Church, Chineham.

Taking a collaborative approach, Rob is keen to strengthen relationships between other Basingstoke churches.

He said: “God called me to this ministry about a year ago and the BCM programme has given me an insight and understanding to be able to make sense of this calling.

"I also gained valuable skills and confidence to act upon that calling.

"I pray that I will be effective in my new role, carrying out my own part in God’s mission.”

Kim Robins has been commissioned as a Licensed Lay Minister at St Mark’s Church in Kempshott.

She added: “While at church one day I really felt that I should be getting more involved in the services.

"I started off by joining the All Age Worship team but as time went on I felt called to do even more.

“I can’t wait to get started in earnest, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the local community with activities such as Open the Book, Tea@2 and Messy Church!”