Dictionary

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Anglican

Anglicans form the family of Christians closely related to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Whilst tracing their inheritance back to Christ and the earliest Christians and to the ancient Roman Catholic church, the sixteenth century Reformation was a crucial moment for Anglicanism.

Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Eucharist

‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’. At the Eucharist the Church remembers Jesus’ last supper where he gave bread and wine to be his body and blood, a sign of his saving love. See also Holy Communion.

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home Pobl Dewi: June 2026 Considering the role of Worship Leaders

Considering the role of Worship Leaders

On Saturday, 16th May a group of around 35 Worship Leaders gathered for a Worship Leaders and Focal Ministers Day at University of Wales Trinity St David, Lampeter, organised by Archdeacon Mones Farah. Syd Smith, Worship Leader in Bro Padarn LMA, reports

The day of worship, learning and renewal began with a Eucharist service in the historic and beautiful college chapel, led by Bishop Dorrien.

The morning session then began with an introduction to the day and a welcome by Archdeacon Mones, followed by an address by Bishop Dorrien who expressed his gratitude to the group for the work that we do in supporting our congregations and clergy.

Bishop Dorrien explained that the demands on Worship Leaders may increase due to retirements and the shortage of ordained ministers. He also pointed out that Worship Leaders should only use the homilies, and other resources, authorised by the diocese in services we lead, explaining it was essential not to search and use random resources from the internet, as many contain theology and teaching contrary to Anglican worship. If in doubt talk to your priest, The Bishop rounded off the session with a lively question and answer session.

Following a buffet lunch, the two afternoon sessions were led by Revd David Heywood, assisted by his wife Meg, from ReSource, who led us through some of the finer points of our ministries. We first learnt about ‘Dwelling in the word’, using text from Ephesians 4, and were asked to identify words or phrases that we, as individuals, found particularly striking. A group discussion and question and answer session followed.

Moving on, we were encouraged to become involved with Bible study and church activities and were set further questions for group discussion. Revd David raised the many issues Worship Leaders face, emphasising the need for confident service leadership, in particular clear guidance so that congregations can follow the service and the importance of the ministry of welcome.

To close the afternoon, Revd David introduced us to ReSource (resourcingrenewal.org), an organisation which supports churches in developing spiritual renewal and growth, with a particular interest in small congregations.

Archdeacon Mones rounded off the session by thanking Revd David and his wife for an inspiring, thought-provoking presentation. He also thanked those of us who were present, pointing out that although there were around 130 Worship Leaders in the diocese many could not attend.

The day ended just before 4pm with Bishop Dorrien echoing the Archdeacon’s thanks and closing with prayers.