Readers make a significant and welcome contribution to the Church´s ministry and mission. Called and trained, they assist the Church´s life and witness by leading worship, preaching and teaching, and engaging in pastoral work and evangelism. Today, women are well established as Readers and Reader Ministry has developed to include pastoral work and funerals as well as the traditional preaching, teaching and liturgical roles.

Bridging the Gap is full of information and practical help for those seeking to discover their vocation in Christian ministry as well as for clergy, Readers and interested lay people. It includes contributions from Christina Baxter, the Principal of St John´s College, Nottingham and Chair of the House of Laity of the General Synod, and Andrew Britton, the distinguished economist.