The revised national training scheme was replaced in 1989 by the current individual diocesan training schemes which are subject to national moderation (Field). An example is the Winchester diocese' scheme which uses material designed for candidates for the ordained ministry and consists of seven major segments covering, the Bible and Prayer, the Old Testament, the New Testament, doctrine and history, preaching, faith and work and a parish placement .

Whilst there has been some significant changes throughout the last thirty years it is questionable whether there was any fundamental change to the understanding of the primary function of Readers until the early 1990's because Lawton's 1989 study of Readers and Methodist Local Preachers indicates that reading at the lectern and prayer desk was still considered to be the Reader's highest task and primary aim. If Lawton reflects the consensus view then reading from the lectern and prayer desk which was given as the priority by early commentators such as James and Williams remained unchanged for over one hundred and twenty-five years.