Those who proclaim God's word in the liturgy are ministers. When you answer the call to be a minister of the word, you enter a deeper relationship with God revealed in sacred Scripture. 

The lector proclaims God's word to the assembled faith community. It's that simple and that sublime. Although the ministry is a simple one, that does not mean it is easy to do well or requires little energy or effect. Simplicity refers to the mod of the ministry, the lector's ability to proclaim the word transparently, which allows the word itself, and not the proclaimer to be the focus. (Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers, U.S. Edition Aelred R. Rosser)

Ministers are trained and scheduled. Materials are Provided.