Programme 1: Annual Conference
Held at the diocesan level every year.
Departments & Boards
Board for Lay Preachers Fellowship
Revive and enrich the art and science of preaching so that God’s Word may be proclaimed with accuracy, relevance, and grace.
Leadership
Who leads the board
Director
Rev. Rosalind Elaiyarani
Associate Director
Rev. S. John Duraiswamy
About
Mission and purpose
Revive and enrich the art and science of preaching so that God’s Word may be proclaimed with accuracy, relevance, and grace. Train, equip, and nurture lay preachers to teach, exhort, and shepherd their communities through faithful engagement with Scripture, sound theology, and contextual awareness.
This mission responds to our Lord Jesus Christ’s command: “Teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18–20). It also reflects the Apostle Paul’s exhortation: “Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in preaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Programmes
What the board does
Programme 2: Christmas Program
Held at the diocesan level.
Programme 3: Lenten Retreat
Lenten Retreat jointly organized with the catechist fellowship for the North and South Area together, and the Central and Southern Area respectively.
Events
Events of the board
Coming up
23 October 2026 to 25 October 2026
Annual Conference 2026: “Renewing the Church: Rebuilding the World”
Annual Conference on the Theme, “Renewing the Church: Rebuilding the World” from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at LITE Auditorium.
Through the year
Coming months
Cluster-level Programs
Cluster-level Programs, to enhance a better understanding of the Word and the world.
Coming months
Commissioning of the Lay Preacher Probationers
To commission the Lay Preacher Probationers.
Recent events
6 June 2026
Lay Preachers’ Probationers Seminar
On 6th June 2026, a one-day Seminar for Lay Preachers’ Probationers of the Diocese of Madras was held at CSI Transfiguration Chapel, Kilpauk, under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran. Centered on the theme, “Called to Engage with the Word of God,” the seminar sought to encourage and equip the probationers in their ministry and calling. The Bishop delivered the keynote address and welcomed the gathering. Fr. Maria Arul Raj led the morning session, while Fr. Tony Bharath facilitated the afternoon session, and both sessions provided meaningful, interactive learning opportunities. The program was honored by the presence of the Vice-President, Treasurer, and LITE Administrator. The Director and Associate Director of the Board for Lay Preachers’ Fellowship thoughtfully coordinated the seminar.
20 December 2025
Christmas Get-Together 2025
On 20th December 2025, the Diocesan Catechists, Lay Preachers, and Heads of Elementary Education held a joyful Christmas celebration. The celebration was graced by the Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, Rev. Indira Paul-Bishop Amma, the Officers of the MDC, Area Chairpersons, and Clergy. The program was thoughtfully organized by the Directors and Associate Directors of the Boards for the Catechists Fellowship and Lay Preachers Fellowship, together with the Conveners of the Board for Elementary Education. The gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for fellowship, thanksgiving, and celebrating the joy of Christmas together.
24 October 2025 to 26 October 2025
Annual Lay Preachers’ Conference 2025
The Annual Lay Preachers’ Conference was held from 24th to 26th October 2025 at the LITE Auditorium, centred on the theme “I Believe,” commemorating 1700 years of the Nicene Creed. The three-day gathering was inaugurated and blessed by the Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, Bishop of Madras. The conference offered enriching theological and historical reflections through sessions led by the Rt. Rev. A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devasagayam, Bishop Emeritus, Rev. D. John Samuel, Rev. Dr. J. H. Jacob Sunder Singh, and Dr. Vedhakani. More than 500 Lay Preachers actively participated in the conference, making it a significant occasion for learning, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment. The Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravindran, Bishop of Coimbatore, conveyed special greetings and words of encouragement, while the Officers of the MDC, Bishop’s Chaplain, Area Chairpersons, and Clergy also extended their greetings. The Director and Associate Directors of the Board for Lay Preachers’ Fellowship thoughtfully and systematically coordinated the conference.