Every Christian is called to ministry; serving God and neighbour in daily life, prayer, worship, and witness. Much of the church’s ministry happens through the gifts people share quietly and faithfully: welcoming, reading, praying, helping practically, or encouraging others in faith.


Alongside this shared calling, the Church also recognises particular ministries which involve training, formation, and commissioning or licensing. These roles support the whole church’s life and mission, and are part of the wider pattern of ministry in the Diocese of Southwark.

At St Augustine’s, we have 7 people who are commissioned or licenced by the Bishop to undertake Recognised Ministries. If you might be interested in exploring recognised ministry, please have a chat with one of the Lay or Ordained Ministers.

Lay Ministers

  • Readers – licensed by the Bishop to preach, teach, and lead worship.
  • Pioneer Lay Ministers – authorised to start and lead new forms of Christian community and mission.
  • Children’s and Youth Lay Ministers – authorised to lead ministry and discipleship with children and young people.
  • Pastoral Lay Ministers – trained and authorised to offer care, visiting, and support within the parish and community.
  • Evangelists – Church Army Evangelists are commissioned lay ministers who specialise in sharing the gospel and building Christian community, often in places where the church has little presence. Their ministry focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and serving alongside people on the margins of society.

Each of these ministries is rooted in prayer and supported by training provided through the Diocese. Read more here about Lay Ministry in the Diocese of Southwark. If you would like to explore what is involved, please speak to the Vicar or one of the Associate Priests.

Ordained Ministers

  • Distinctive Deacons – ordained by a Bishop to serve in the church and community, with a particular ministry of care and compassion. They proclaim the gospel, assist at the Eucharist, lead prayers, prepare people for baptism, and take the message of God’s love into daily life. Deacons often conduct funerals and help the church connect with those in need, embodying Christ’s call to service.
  • Priests – ordained by a Bishop to lead God’s people in word and sacrament. They preside at the Eucharist, baptise, pronounce absolution and blessing, and anoint the sick. Priests also preach, teach, and provide pastoral care, preparing couples for marriage, comforting the bereaved, and guiding the community in faith and mission. If a priest is an incumbent (sometimes called a Vicar or Rector), they carry oversight for the whole parish: shaping its vision, caring for its people, and overseeing its worship, mission, and governance.