You will find the details of how Reader training is organised in the Diocese in Europe in the next section. It is important to note from the outset that the training is demanding, calling for self-discipline and a considerable investment of time and energy. If you believe that you are called to Reader ministry, one way that calling will express itself is in your understanding of your training as a priority so that you set aside time and energy for this task. If you find that you are too busy to train, you may need to ask yourself some searching questions about whether this is truly your vocation, or about how responsibilities might better be shared in your chaplaincy.

On average, you should expect to set aside 8–10 hours a week. It is therefore recommended that as a candidate you take the following steps before you begin training:

• give up most of your other church activities (in as far as is possible in your local situation)
• develop your pattern of private prayer
• discuss the demands of the course fully with anyone you think might be affected, especially family or friends
• set up an informal support group in the congregation
• find a spiritual director / mentor / guide (please initially contact Polly Freeman who has a Directory of Spiritual Directors - email: polly.freeman@churchofengland.org)
• negotiate time and space for studying
• complete the Ministry Agreement (Appendix 2) with your chaplain.

The training course will normally take three years, depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required distance learning modules. The costs of training (fees, book grants, and travelling expenses to training events) should if, at all possible, be borne by your Chaplaincy Council. The fee for each module (or per 20 credits) is currently £592. Invoices will be sent to the chaplaincy by the Diocesan Finance Officer. It is recommended that the chaplaincy provide a book grant during training of £50 per annum.

Please make sure that you discuss these expectations with your chaplain and Chaplaincy Council before the Council passes the resolution in your support.

Exemptions from some parts of the academic training course may be given to suitably qualified candidates. These will be agreed with the Director of Reader Ministry before the beginning of the course.