On the more positive side several corespondents in the e-mail discussion pointed out that a positive relationship between the Reader and the incumbent lead to a collaborative ministry with each person performing appropriate functions in the team which could include the role of a facilitator who helped implement agreed decisions. The latter point is interesting because it potentially conflicts with the duties of the PCC and churchwardens. Nevertheless the overall sentiment was that the vast majority of Readers had healthy working relationships with their incumbents.

4.7 Relevance.

Whilst the survey showed that over 70% of all respondents believed that Reader ministry was relevant to the contemporary church, some Readers feel that they are under valued and under used. Approximately one-hundred of the most disturbing cases have been documented as a result of two articles in The Reader which discussed Readers who, for varying reasons, had ceased to operate following the arrival of a new incumbent.

The result of both positive and negative attitudes towards Readers is that Reader ministry provides an opportunity for those who want to encourage a distinct lay, preaching ministry and a serious threat to those who want to limit ministry to a well-staffed ordained team in each parish.