It was also interesting to note that a recently selected candidate felt that the history of the movement provided encouragement because it gave the individual a sense of belonging to an established office because "Readers are not just some stop-gap measure that someone has dreamt up - they are part of a tradition".

4.5 Training.

A consequence of the selection process is that the training processes should be designed to assist suitable candidates develop appropriate ministerial gifts. The survey showed that the respondents wanted Reader training to be focused on the areas associated with a preaching and teaching ministry. There was little evidence of either the desire or the existence of training in pastoral matters.

There were a number of criticisms in both the survey and the e-mail discussion of the use of training schemes designed for ordinands for members of the laity. An alternative approach which was widely suggested in both the survey and the e-mail discussion was the development of a modular training scheme for all laity which would form a foundation course for a more specialised course for those called to be Readers. It would seem however that the correspondents believe that the diocesan Reader training courses, which are nationally moderated, meet the needs that relate to the principle function of Readers outlined in the regulations.