Orders
In the Parable of the Talents, we see money distributed among several people. The first two go and increase what was given to them, while the third buries it. One aspect that I think is notable in this parable is that the master calls his servants, not just one or two of them, but all three. Though he gives to each according to their ability, they are all entrusted with the task.
When we consider whose job the ministry of the church is, there is a gut reaction to say that it is the ministers' and clergy's job. This, of course, is correct, but it is not only theirs. All who are servants of God have been given the task to care for what is the master's. Some (i.e., the clergy) have been given a share that is equal to their calling, training, equipping, and ability; however, every Christian is called to do the work of God. While you might not be called to quit your job and pursue Holy Orders, you are called to serve others, to join in the worship of the church, and to join in the mission and ministry of God, according to what he has called you to and the ability that he has given you.
Clericalism has long been a part of the Church's history, where the ministry of the Church is given solely to the clergy, rooted in a concept of their having moral and spiritual superiority. There are two errors in this thinking. Firstly, the clergy are not inherently morally superior; we are very well capable of making our own mistakes, just ask my wife. Secondly, while growing in spirituality is an essential aspect of the life of clergy, it is not exclusive to them. Sanctification and a holy life are the call of every Christian: "Be holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16).
The historic Church had ways to involve people beyond just the clergy. The primary ways were through lay involvement in tasks around the parish, benefactors, builders, and in the distinction of major and minor orders. Major orders are Holy Orders, while the minor orders are positions that are set apart but not clergy; these minor orders, however, were part of the required path for those who wanted to be clergy. During the High Middle Ages, Christian ministry was understood primarily as those offering the sacrifice of the Mass; all other orders were understood in relation to that. It was generally held that there are seven orders: the three major orders of priest, deacon, and subdeacon (subdeacon has historically been moved between major and minor orders, but is now considered the highest of the minor orders), and the four minor orders of doorkeeper, reader, exorcist, and acolyte (sometimes cantor and grave digger were added).
During the European Reformations, these minor orders were largely abolished. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, in 1565, she sent out a royal ordinance that required a Gospeller and Epistler to assist the priest in the celebration of divine service in the cathedral and collegiate churches; whilst the Gospeller needed to be himself a priest or a deacon, the Epistler could, in theory, be a layman (although in practice it was usually another priest). As time went on, a need arose for lay people to be licensed as Readers, due to the shortage of priests, especially in remote places. By 1866, Readers were more than just those who read the service and the lessons; they were licensed by the Bishop. While we still have acolytes, lectors, doorsmen (i.e., ushers), cantors, and other lay positions in the church, they are roles rather than minor orders.
Within England and the corners of Anglicanism, including the REC, Licensed Lay Readers are still present. In our Provincial Canons, it reads regarding Licensed Lay Readers: "A competent person ready and desirous to serve the church in the public services statedly as a Lay Reader must procure from the Bishop or Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese or Missionary Diocese a written license....(c) In all matters relating to the conduct of the service and the Sermons or Homilies to be read, he shall conform to the directions of the Minister in charge of the Parish, Congregation, or Mission in which he is serving, and, in all cases, to the directions of the Bishop. He shall read only the Morning and Evening Prayer... the Litany, and the Office for the Burial of the Dead [Here is often also attached the roles of subdeacon and chalice bearer]... He shall not wear the dress appropriate to Clergymen Ministering in the Congregation." Nowadays, the roles of usher, cantor, and lector are roles the Rector is free to choose; the role of Reader remains a role only the Bishop can license.
Something we do well here is the inclusion of lay members in being lectors, acolytes, chalice bearers, choir, altar guild, and all of the other ways that you all help out. The role of licensing is a reminder that we are part of the ministry of the Church and involved in the mission of God; therefore, we are men and women under authority. We are called to follow the leading of God and the orders of those in authority, with bit and bridle, for the sake of the Gospel.
After talking with those who have served in these faithful roles in the past and those who are stepping into these roles, the Bishop has licensed several members to fulfill the roles of Lay Reader here at All Saints. This won't affect the positions of lector, acolyte, or usher, and they will continue as usual. So, let us all join together in the work of God, caring for the talents that he has bestowed upon each of us according to ability and calling for the sake of the Gospel. If you would like to get more involved in some way, to care and steward the talents given to you, come and talk to me, and I would be happy to find a place for you to serve.