lay reader
Unlicensed liturgical assistant
A lay reader is a person who reads scripture or leads parts of a church service without being ordained clergy.
The term appears mainly in Anglican and Episcopal traditions, where lay readers may conduct certain services, read lessons, and assist priests.
More broadly, a lay reader is simply a non-specialist reader of any text: The book is accessible to the lay reader.
Not formally consecrated
- secularNonreligious, worldly
- nonprofessionalOne lacking formal credentials
- baptizedInitiated through water rite
- confirmedEstablished as accurate
communicant · faithful · believer · churchgoer · worshiper · congregant
One who recites aloud
- lectionaryScheduled scripture for services
- scriptureSacred religious writings
- epistleFormal literary letter
- gospelSacred choral tradition
psalm · pulpit · lectern · proclamation · passage · verse · lesson · ambo
Place of Christian worship
- parishLocal church community
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- AnglicanChurch of England member
- EpiscopalU.S. Anglican denomination
Catholic · Protestant · Lutheran · vestments · altar · chancel · nave · sanctuary
Not yet compensated
- serviceAid or maintenance
- rosterList of members
- schedulePlan of timed events
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
preparation · practice · ministry · dedication · commitment · participation · contribution · congregation
unordained
Not formally consecrated
- secularNonreligious, worldly
- nonprofessionalOne lacking formal credentials
- baptizedInitiated through water rite
confirmed · communicant · faithful · believer · churchgoer · worshiper · congregant
lector
One who recites aloud
- lectionaryScheduled scripture for services
- scriptureSacred religious writings
- epistleFormal literary letter
gospel · psalm · pulpit · lectern · proclamation · passage · verse · lesson · ambo · microphone
church
Place of Christian worship
- parishLocal church community
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- AnglicanChurch of England member
Episcopal · Catholic · Protestant · Lutheran · vestments · altar · chancel · nave · sanctuary · sacristy
unpaid
Not yet compensated
training · preparation · practice · ministry · dedication · commitment · participation · contribution · congregation · community
lay readerpriest
One who performs sacraments
ordained minister · clergy · clergyman · clergywoman · vicar
lay readerbishop
Diocesan clergy head
archbishop · cardinal · pope · senior pastor · dean
lay readercelebrant
One who observes festivities
officiant · preacher · homilist · congregant · parishioner
read, lay, reading, reader, readable, layman, layperson, laity, readership