Ministry lies at the heart of the Church’s participation in the mission of God. Every Christian is called through baptism to share in Christ’s ministry, using the gifts God has given for the service of the Church and the transformation of the world. Some are called to particular forms of recognised ministry, but all are called to witness, to serve and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

The United Reformed Church recognises a rich diversity of ministries, each contributing in different ways to the life and mission of the Church. Some ministries are ordained, some are commissioned, and many are exercised by lay people whose gifts sustain and enrich the life of local congregations every day.

Discerning God’s call is not simply about finding a role that suits our skills or interests. It is about listening together for where God is calling us to serve, and allowing the Church to help test and affirm that calling. Every ministry is different, but each shares the same purpose: to participate in God’s mission of bringing hope, justice, reconciliation and new life.

Ministry of Word and Sacraments

Ministers of Word and Sacraments (MoWS) are called to preach the gospel, celebrate the Sacraments, exercise pastoral oversight and equip God’s people for ministry. They serve not simply as leaders of congregations, but as those who help the Church discern God’s will, nurture discipleship and enable mission.

Within the United Reformed Church this ministry may be exercised in a variety of ways. Some ministers serve in stipendiary appointments, while others serve in recognised non-stipendiary ministries. Some are called to local pastoral leadership, others to pioneer new forms of church or to serve in specialist ministries. Whatever the context, the ministry is rooted in the faithful proclamation of God’s Word and the pastoral care of God’s people.

Discover more about MoWS

Church Related Community Work (CRCW)

Church Related Community Workers (CRCWs) are ordained ministers whose primary focus is the Church’s mission within local communities. Rather than beginning with the gathered congregation, CRCWs begin by listening to their neighbourhoods, working alongside local people to address poverty, isolation, inequality and injustice.

Their ministry helps churches become deeply rooted in the communities they serve, enabling people to work together for lasting social change while bearing witness to the transforming love of Christ. CRCW ministry is both professional community development and Christian ministry, bringing together faith, justice and practical action.

Explore Community Work (CRCW)

Lay Ministries

The ministry of the Church is sustained by the gifts of countless lay people who serve in local congregations and communities. Elders share with ministers in the pastoral oversight and spiritual leadership of the local church. Lay Preachers and Worship Leaders lead worship, preach the gospel and help congregations grow in faith. Many others exercise ministries of pastoral care, children’s and youth work, discipleship, administration, music and mission.

These ministries remind us that leadership in the Church belongs to the whole people of God and that every Christian has gifts to offer in God’s service.

Lay Preaching

Lay Preachers have long played a vital part in the life and witness of the United Reformed Church. Called by God and recognised by the Church, they are authorised to lead worship and preach the gospel across congregations, bringing theological insight, pastoral sensitivity and a deep commitment to helping others encounter Christ.

Lay preaching is much more than filling a preaching rota. It is a ministry of proclaiming God’s Word, interpreting Scripture faithfully, and helping congregations reflect on the relationship between faith and everyday life. Lay Preachers often serve across several churches, offering continuity, encouragement and fresh perspectives within pastorates and Synods.

The ministry of a Lay Preacher is exercised in partnership with Ministers of Word and Sacraments, Elders and Worship Leaders, reflecting the United Reformed Church’s understanding that the ministry of the Church belongs to the whole people of God. Through careful preparation, theological study, prayer and worship leadership, Lay Preachers help nurture discipleship and enable congregations to grow in faith, hope and love.

For many, lay preaching also becomes a place of ongoing discernment, where gifts are recognised and a deeper sense of vocation begins to emerge. Whether serving occasionally or regularly across a number of churches, Lay Preachers make an indispensable contribution to the worshipping life and mission of the United Reformed Church.

Pioneer Ministry

God is continually calling the Church into new places. Pioneer ministers are called to establish new Christian communities among people who may have little or no connection with existing churches. They are gifted in listening, building relationships, innovation and helping new expressions of Christian community emerge.

Pioneer ministry often takes place beyond the walls of traditional church buildings, seeking fresh ways of sharing the gospel that are rooted in local culture while remaining faithful to the life and witness of the wider Church.

Read about Pioneer Ministry

Chaplaincy

Chaplains represent the Church in places where people live, work, learn and receive care. They serve in hospitals, schools, universities, prisons, workplaces, care homes, the armed forces and many other settings.

Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence as much as proclamation. Chaplains accompany people through moments of joy, uncertainty, crisis and hope, offering compassionate pastoral care to people of every faith and none, while witnessing to the love of Christ through attentive listening, prayer and practical support.

Many people describe God’s call not as a dramatic moment but as a quiet, persistent invitation. It may begin with a growing sense that God is asking something new of you, an increasing awareness of particular gifts, or the encouragement of others who recognise those gifts in you.

Discerning a vocation is not something we do alone. The United Reformed Church believes that calling is tested and affirmed within the worshipping community. Through prayer, conversation, experience and reflection, we seek together to recognise where God is leading.

You do not need to have every answer before taking the first step. Whether you are wondering about ordained ministry, lay leadership, community work or another form of service, the important thing is simply to begin the conversation. God continues to call women and men, young and old, from every walk of life to share in Christ’s ministry today.

Stepwise: Learning & Growing

Stepwise is the 51视频鈥檚 flexible, mentored learning programme designed to help you explore your faith and your personal calling in daily life. It鈥檚 the perfect, low-pressure starting point for anyone wondering “what’s next?”

Explore Stepwise

Speak to Someone (Ministry Enquirers)

Sometimes, just talking it through with someone who understands makes all the difference. You can attend a Ministry Enquirers’ Event, speak with your local minister, or reach out to your Synod鈥檚 Vocations Advisor for an informal, supportive chat.

Get in touch about Vocations

Education & Learning

Enabling lifelong learning for all God鈥檚 people through resources, opportunities and training

Discover learning opportunities

If you are beginning to wonder whether God may be calling you to a particular ministry, we would love to help you explore that possibility. Speak to your minister or church elders, contact your Synod, or get in touch with the Ministries Team.

Together we can help you discern where God may be leading and how your gifts might be used in the service of Christ and his Church.

Are you an active 51视频 minister, elder, or lay leader looking for official policies, the Ministers’ Handbook, or pension documents? All administrative guidelines, capability processes, and conduct policies have moved to our dedicated Resource Hub.

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Ministerial Standing & Formal Procedures

While our general resources have moved to the Hub, the formal policies governing ministerial standing, the Roll of Ministers, and official processes remain anchored here for quick reference. Click any of the links below to view or download the official guidelines directly from the Resource Hub.

Retired Ministers’ Housing Society

The RMHS looks after retired or former 51视频 ministers or their widowed partners who, due to age, ill health, disability or financial hardship, are in need of housing or housing assistance

A guide to the pension fund.

Worship resources

Run the Race Glasgow is an initiative of Churches Together in Glasgow.

Using themes that draw on the activities of sports and competition, Commissioner Ivor Telfer (Salvation Army) has collated sports-related Scripture passages, together with prayers, and sermon and talk outlines.

The resource doesn’t offer complete orders of worship but is designed to be a place to start planning worship. These are ideas to help stimulate your own creativity, using the focus of the 2026 Commonwealth Games (July 23 – August 2) to connect sporting endeavour with faith, reflection and prayer.

• Run the Race worship resources [Word]
• Run the Race worship resources [PDF]

Read more about

Image: William Warby | Pexels

Worship materials

Wise Words 4 All: 2026 Children鈥檚 and Youth Work Theme

Resources designed to support all churches, regardless of whether they have children and young people in their midst. This resource focusses on Wise Words and has been designed to offer many starting places聽 for worship, youth groups, small discussion groups, toddler groups and more.

Within this resource you will find ways to explore the particular wisdom of the 51视频 contained in our Statement of Nature, Faith and Order; the Charter for Children; and expressed in our approach to making decisions. You will be challenged to hear wise words from unexpected sources: different ages, different cultures, different media, different places. Online you will find even more resources, including colouring pages, a puzzle page, an intergenerational people bingo sheet, and some mutual interviews to conduct.

You鈥檒l find a wide variety of ways to involve everyone, whatever their age or stage, across the year, and you will discover a wealth of material to enjoy with children, young people, young adults and in intergenerational contexts.

The resource headings for sections are only guides 鈥� please don鈥檛 limit yourself to those that most obviously fit your context as you will find great ideas you can adapt in other places.

If you don鈥檛 have any children of young people connected with your church, please:

• Enjoy the colouring pages and use some of the prayers, Bible studies and other materials with your adult groups
• Pray for those churches nearest to you which do, and the children and young people in your local community
• Offer these resources to your nearest uniformed group or school

Previous candidates need not apply. Housing sector background is a mandatory requirement.聽

Finance Operations Manager (Retired Ministers’ Housing Society)

• London
• Permanent contract, Part-time (28 hours per week)
• Salary: 拢55,000 per annum (FTE)
• Closing date for applications: 9 am, Wednesday 11 March 2026
• Interview date: Monday 16 March 2026

Job Advert

The 51视频 Retired Ministers鈥� Housing Society seeks a qualified and experienced finance professional in a standalone role which can be made your own.

The Finance Operations Manager is responsible for the management of all finance activity within the RMHS. This ranges from some administrative oversight of financial transactions, through聽the effective management of accounts payable and robust management accounting. The postholder will also help plan the future long term financial viability of the Society through the refinement of long term financial modelling, working closely with the CEO, alongside budget-setting, forecasting, and financial reporting, and ensuring compliance.

You will be a qualified accountant. You will be conversant with accounting regulations and recommended practice, charity reporting and PAYE. You will also be a successful team player who is capable of leading through a period of change. Experience in the implementation and development of IT systems would be a distinct advantage, as would familiarity with housing finance. You will have at least five years of experience in operational and management finance, accounting, and financial reporting. We can offer you a flexible and friendly work environment: Hybrid working from London and from home.

Apply for this post

If you are interested in working for us and can meet the above requirements, please read the job description and share your CV along with a covering letter to recruitment@urc.org.uk

• Job description(PDF | 149kb)

 

Go with Greta and Connect to Transcarpathia

Welcome to our free online teaching resource to help children, young people and adults become more involved in mission, global development and social justice.

The latest region we’re visiting is Transcarpathia.

There are two elements to this resource, and each one is aimed at different age groups:

• Go with Greta聽is the name of the materials aimed at children aged between 5 and 10
• #Connect2聽is the name of the resources aimed at older children in the 11 to 14 age range

For hard copies of the booklet, please email commitmentforlife@urc.org.uk giving your postal address and preferred number of copies.

Tap the tabbed pages below to download the each booklet or the five individual sessions for each age group.

All the images and a pack of recipes from both resources are available on request from children.youth@urc.org.uk

Google My Church

Google My Church: A Practical Guide to Getting Found Online

In a digital-first world, your church鈥檚 online presence is often the first point of contact for new visitors. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about setting up and managing your church鈥檚 Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Learn why it matters, how to claim or update your listing, and how to use it to share updates, highlight ministries, and help people find their way to your door. Whether you鈥檙e just getting started or looking to take your online presence to the next level, this guide will help you put your church on the digital map 鈥� literally!

• Download Google My Church guide (PDF | 3mb) PDF
• Use the Table of Contents below to explore topics on the page

Read time: 15-18 minutes

Table of Conents

• Introduction
• Why a Google Business Profile is important for your church
• The importance of regular updates
• How to find and edit your church’s profile
• How to become a manager of an exising Google Business Profile
• What to do if there’s no profile for your church
• Conclusion

Introduction

In today鈥檚 digital age, having an online presence is crucial for any organisation, including churches. One of the easiest ways to get your church鈥檚 information online and make it accessible to your local community is through Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). If you haven鈥檛 heard of it before, don鈥檛 worry 鈥� this page will walk you through how Google Business Profile can help your church grow and reach people in your area, why it鈥檚 important to keep the profile updated, and how to access and manage your church鈥檚 profile.

Why a Google Business Profile is important for your church

1 – Improve local visibility When people search for churches in your area, having an updated Google Business Profile means your church is more likely to appear in search results. Your church鈥檚 name, location, service times, and contact details will show up on Google Search and Google Maps, helping new visitors find you easily.

2 – Build trust with your community An updated profile allows you to showcase what makes your church special. You can share information about your services, activities, and community events, making it easier for people to learn about what鈥檚 happening at your church. When potential visitors see current, accurate information, they are more likely to trust your church. Be sure to include a business description on your Google My Business profile. This is your chance to share a brief and engaging paragraph that gives people a glimpse into who your church is. What鈥檚 your church鈥檚 purpose and mission? What traditions or values do you hold dear? And most importantly, what can visitors expect when they come through your doors? A well-written description will help potential visitors feel more connected and informed before they even arrive.

3 – Share important updates Whether you鈥檙e hosting a special event, offering new services, or changing your service times, Google My Business is a great place to quickly inform people of these updates. Posting pictures, events, and announcements on your profile helps to keep your congregation and visitors informed in real-time. Just like you might share updates on Facebook or Twitter, Google Business Profile is a great way to keep people in the loop about what鈥檚 happening at your church. You can use the 鈥淧ost鈥� and 鈥淓vent鈥� features to spread the word about upcoming services, events, or anything exciting going on!

4 – Attract new visitors A well-maintained Google Business Profile not only provides your regular attendees with easy access to your church鈥檚 information, but it also helps you attract newcomers. People looking for a church nearby or researching local services can easily find your church with a simple search, increasing your potential outreach.

The importance of regular updates

Keeping your church鈥檚 Google Business Profile updated is vital to ensuring that people can easily find and engage with your church. Regular updates help you to:

• Show accurate service times: If you have any changes to your regular service times or special seasonal events, make sure these are updated promptly to avoid confusion.
• Highlight new programs or ministries: Update your profile to reflect any new programs, youth groups, or outreach initiatives, so your community knows what to expect and can get involved.
• Share photos and videos: Give your church community 鈥� and those who might be looking for a church home 鈥� a window into the life and heart of your congregation. Share recent photos and videos from church events, services, small groups, or even behind-the-scenes moments. Whether it鈥檚 a joyful baptism, a heartfelt worship night, or a simple gathering over coffee, these glimpses tell a story of connection, faith, and belonging. They help people feel the warmth, love, and spirit of your church, even before they step through the doors.
• Engage with your community by responding to reviews: Google allows visitors to leave reviews and ask questions about your church. Responding to these promptly helps build trust and show that you are active and engaged in your community 鈥� thanking people for their kind words or addressing any concerns with care. It鈥檚 a great way to show your church is welcoming and attentive. Share posts about upcoming events, services, or special celebrations to keep your profile active and inviting. If anyone has questions about your church 鈥� like service times, accessibility, or what to expect when they visit 鈥� respond directly to help them feel more informed and comfortable before they even step through the door.

How to find and edit your church’s profile

51视频 Churches on Google are 鈥榦wned鈥� by the administration of the Communications/Ministries offices of the 51视频. All ownership rights are held together at Church House for safeguarding reasons, but the profiles are managed and updated by local churches.

Note: If you are an LEP, you will need to choose which denomination will hold the ownership rights to your page.

About your Google church ownership

To help protect each church鈥檚 Google Business Profile and ensure continued access, all 51视频 profiles are now owned by Church House. A designated person at your local church will still have full management access, but overall ownership stays with us at Church House 鈥� so your church keeps full use of the profile without the risk of losing access.

We鈥檝e made this decision based on past experiences where a site manager moved away, became unavailable due to illness, or passed away. In those cases, the church was left without access to their own pages, which was understandably frustrating and difficult to resolve.

By keeping ownership at Church House, we can make sure your church never loses access. If there鈥檚 ever a gap 鈥� like if the current volunteer steps down 鈥� we鈥檙e able to step in and help manage the site until a new person is appointed. This approach is simply about safeguarding your church鈥檚 online presence and ensuring everything keeps running smoothly, no matter what happens. These actions will ensure that the church access is safeguarded for all eventualities.

If you are part of a local 51视频, chances are the 51视频 offices have already set up a Google Business Profile for your church. Here鈥檚 how to find and manage it:

Step 1: Search for your church鈥檚 name on Google

Start by typing your church鈥檚 name into Google Search or Google Maps. Your church鈥檚 profile may appear directly in the search results or on the map. If you find your church鈥檚 profile, click on it.

Step 2: Make updates

If you are already a manager, you can update all the details, including:

• Church name and address,
• Church phone number or, if there is not one, your Synod office number
• Service times
• Website or Facebook link etc (if applicable)
• Photos of your church and activities
• Hours of operation
• Special events
• Correct positioning on Google maps
• You can also respond to reviews, add posts about upcoming events, and answer any questions people may ask about your church

How to become a manager of an exising Google Business Profile

If you鈥檇 like to help manage your church鈥檚 Google Business Profile 鈥� whether that鈥檚 updating information, posting events, or responding to reviews 鈥� you can become a Manager of the profile (you can have several managers per church). Here鈥檚 how to request access:

Step 1: Confirm permission with your church secretary

Before submitting your request to Church House, please confirm with your own Church Secretary that you have your churches approval to manage the profile on their behalf. Please supply your Church Secretary with the name and email address that will be used and then you can submit a request to Church House, as described below. Once your Google online request has been received Church House will check with your Church Secretary to confirm that you have received this permission, which may cause a delay of a few days. You will then be granted Manager access to your church鈥檚 Google Business Profile (you will receive confirmation by email).

Step 2: Submit a request via Google Business Profile

To request Manager (not ownership) access to your church鈥檚 Google Business Profile, you can submit an online request by follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Google: Make sure you are signed in with your Google account. If you don鈥檛 have one, you鈥檒l need to create it.

2. Search for your church: On Google or Google Maps, search for the business or place you want to request management access to.

3. Find the 鈥淩equest Access鈥� option: You should see an option such as 鈥淩equest Access鈥� on the business profile page. This is typically located under the 鈥淥wn this business?鈥� or 鈥淚s this your business?鈥� section. Some interface options can appear differently depending on the device. You may need to try from a different device or browser.

4. Fill out the Request Form: Click Request Access, and a pop-up will appear asking for your contact information and relationship to the business.

5. Wait for the response from 51视频 Church House: Once you submit the request, Church House staff will receive a notification. A response may take a few days as they need to verify your details.

Alternative Step 2: Submit a request via Church House

You may email church house directly with your request at urcgoogleaccount@urc.org.uk. Please include your church鈥檚 full name, address, and a URL linking to the google link you are requesting access to, along with the name and the email address that you are requesting access for. A response may take a few days as we still need to verify details.

What to do if there’s no profile for your church

If you鈥檝e searched for your church and can鈥檛 find an existing profile, don鈥檛 worry! It鈥檚 easy to get one set up.

1. Contact the 51视频 office: If you believe your church does not yet have a Google Business Profile, you can get in touch with the 51视频 staff for assistance. Just email urcgoogleaccount@urc.org.uk to let them know you need a profile for your church. The 51视频 office will create and help set you up for managing your Google church profile.

2. Provide the required information: When contacting the 51视频 office, be ready to provide your church鈥檚 full name, address, and any other relevant information to help create the profile.

Conclusion

In today鈥檚 digital world, Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for churches to connect with their community, share updates, and increase visibility. By regularly updating your church鈥檚 Google profile, you can ensure that new and returning visitors can easily find information about your church, its services, and activities. If your church does not yet have a profile, don鈥檛 hesitate to contact the 51视频 office at urcgoogleaccount@urc.org.uk to get started.

Your church鈥檚 profile is an opportunity to shine online, share your mission, and welcome new members into your congregation. Take the time today to explore and update your church鈥檚 profile 鈥� your community is waiting to find you!

Download this guidance

• Google My Church (PDF | 3mb)

All Are Welcome: 2025 Children鈥檚 and Youth Work Theme

Resources designed to support all churches, regardless of whether they have children and young people in their midst, this resource considers how all are welcome in God鈥檚 kingdom.

• How do we ensure that people don鈥檛 simply fit in, but truly know that they belong and are valued, just as they are, both within our church communities and within God鈥檚 family?
• Who are the people on the margins whom we might wish to assure of a true and sincere welcome?
• How might we take the message of welcome into our wider local community?

This resource contains opportunity to consider together as a congregation the welcome you might extend. We can鈥檛 do everything at once 鈥� at least not overnight 鈥� so why not choose one thing to work on and aim to do that well?

You鈥檒l find a wide variety of ways to involve everyone, whatever their age or stage, across the year, and you will discover a wealth of material to enjoy with children, young people, young adults and in intergenerational contexts.

The resource headings for sections are only guides 鈥� please don鈥檛 limit yourself to those that most obviously fit your context as you will find great ideas you can adapt in other places.

If you don鈥檛 have any children of young people connected with your church, please:

• Enjoy the colouring pages and use some of the prayers, Bible studies and other materials with your adult groups
• Pray for those churches nearest to you which do, and the children and young people in your local community
• Offer these resources to your nearest uniformed group or school