The resources listed here, taken together, offer a theology of the church and of ministry that is reflected in the worship of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer in the Episcopal Church, in the theology of the church emerging since Vatican II in the Roman Catholic Church, and in the approaches to baptismal ministry that are emerging in most mainline Christian denominations. This list is organized into four sections (I-IV) designed to support understanding of the definition of the ministry of the laity offered in the Catechism of the Book of Common Prayer (p. 855-6).

The ministry of the laity is (I) to represent Christ and his church, (II) to bear witness to him wherever they may be, and, III) according to the gifts given them, (IV) to carry on Christ’s ministry of reconciliation in the world. And to take their place in the life, worship and governance of the church.