Worship Leaders Standing Orders

For clarity, the distinction between Local Preachers and Worship Leaders is set out in Standing Order 563, as follows:

Worship Leaders in the Methodist Church (UK)

1. Appointment and Nature of Role
   • SO 563(1): Worship Leaders are appointed by the Church Council of a local Methodist church.
   • Their role is to assist ministers and local preachers in the conduct of worship.
   • They are not authorised to preach or to lead the entire act of worship independently.

2. Responsibilities and Duties (SO 563(2))
   Worship Leaders may:
   • Help in planning worship (especially all-age or creative services).
   • Lead prayers, Bible readings, and responses.
   • Introduce or teach new hymns, songs, or liturgical material.
   • Assist with Holy Communion (where permitted).
   • Share in informal or prayer gatherings under ministerial oversight.
   
   However, they must not:
   • Preach or give a sermon.
   • Lead the full service alone, except where the Minister has given explicit permission (e.g., informal fellowship worship).
   • Preside at the Sacraments  this remains the role of ordained ministers.

3. Standing Order 563(4) – Attendance at Local Preachers’ Meetings“Every Local Preacher shall be a member of the Local Preachers’ Meeting of the Circuit in which he or she is accredited or on trial, and shall attend its meetings regularly unless prevented by some sufficient reason.” 563 (4)In Practice, This Means:All accredited and ‘on trial’ Local Preachers are required members of the Circuit’s Local Preachers’ Meeting.Attendance is not optional — it is part of their accountability, fellowship, and continuing development.“All preachers are expected to fulfil their appointments. If unable to do so, they must inform the Superintendent Minister, who will arrange an accredited substitute, and then notify the Church Steward of the local church concerned.” (Standing Order 563(vi))Absence is acceptable only when there is a sufficient reason (e.g., illness, unavoidable work commitments, family emergency, etc.).Persistent non-attendance without explanation may lead to review of standing or removal from the active plan (under SO 563(6)).