What is lay servant ministries?
Process to become certified
1. The first step is to consult with his/her pastor, as well as the District Director of Lay Servant Ministries. At some point during the initial year of participation, the individual must submit a report to his/her church's Charge Conference detailing this/her spiritual growth and activities within Lay Servant Ministries.
2. The Lay Servant must complete the Basic Class, which must be taken in person rather than online. This class details an overview of Lay Servant Ministries, including its development and role within the United Methodist Church.
3. One may take any advanced course, but it is suggested that the second class be “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”. After the completion of the second course, the individual is considered a Certified Lay Servant, and must take at least one class every three years. The Lay Servant must also complete a report annually for submission to their local Charge Conference.
4. If the Lay Servant wishes to serve through preaching and pulpit supply, he/she will become a Certified Lay Speaker. There are five additional classes which must be taken – Leading Prayer, United Methodist Polity, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, Leading Worship, and Preaching. (Preaching must also be taken in person.)
5. After completion of at least two of these additional courses, an individual may be placed on the list for pulpit supply in their district, with the understanding that they will complete all the required classes within a reasonable time. This action may be taken by that district's Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
6. After completion of all the required coursework, as well as submission of the annual report and local church Charge Conference approval, the individual must meet with their District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. That meeting should be scheduled with the district director. After approval of that committee, the Lay Servant is then a Certified Lay Speaker. All Certified Lay Speakers must take at least one Advanced class every three years, and must submit their report to their local Charge Conference annually.
Flowchart for Certified Lay Servant
Flowchart for Certified Lay Speaker
Flowchart for Certified Lay Minister
2. The Lay Servant must complete the Basic Class, which must be taken in person rather than online. This class details an overview of Lay Servant Ministries, including its development and role within the United Methodist Church.
3. One may take any advanced course, but it is suggested that the second class be “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”. After the completion of the second course, the individual is considered a Certified Lay Servant, and must take at least one class every three years. The Lay Servant must also complete a report annually for submission to their local Charge Conference.
4. If the Lay Servant wishes to serve through preaching and pulpit supply, he/she will become a Certified Lay Speaker. There are five additional classes which must be taken – Leading Prayer, United Methodist Polity, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, Leading Worship, and Preaching. (Preaching must also be taken in person.)
5. After completion of at least two of these additional courses, an individual may be placed on the list for pulpit supply in their district, with the understanding that they will complete all the required classes within a reasonable time. This action may be taken by that district's Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
6. After completion of all the required coursework, as well as submission of the annual report and local church Charge Conference approval, the individual must meet with their District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. That meeting should be scheduled with the district director. After approval of that committee, the Lay Servant is then a Certified Lay Speaker. All Certified Lay Speakers must take at least one Advanced class every three years, and must submit their report to their local Charge Conference annually.
Flowchart for Certified Lay Servant
Flowchart for Certified Lay Speaker
Flowchart for Certified Lay Minister
LAY SPEAKER SCHEDULEFebruary 22, 2025
Leading Prayer – Rev. Dale Capron Register by January 1st, 2025 March 22, 2025 Basic Class – Rev. Tony Campbell Devotional Love in the Wesleyan Tradition – Rev. Carol Gullatt Register by February 1st, 2025 April 26, 2025 Discovering your Spiritual Gifts – Rev. Vicki Cater Register by March 1st, 2025 Cost: $35 for the entire weekend (includes breakfast, lunch, and a snack on Saturday) and each person is responsible for ordering their own book from Amazon Location: All classes are held at Trinity UMC at 607 Airport Road, Huntsville 35802. Zoom is available for all classes. If anyone is interested in zoom classes, please let Kay know immediately so that arrangements can be made. The charge for the zoom classes will be $35.00 Time: Registration and breakfast begins at 7:30am. Class begins at 8am with a break mid-morning and lunch at noon. Class ends at 3pm. You will receive a pre-class assignment which you are required to do as well as reading your entire book prior to class. Anyone may attend these classes but only United Methodist members may become certified. You also do not have to agree to preach to attend the classes if you do not wish to do so - this is entirely up to each individual person. Everyone will receive a certificate for taking the class. Anyone wishing to register for an upcoming class must contact Kay West at [email protected] or 256-509-9575 |
Forms
Lay Servant Speaker Record
Reports to Charge Conference
Certified Lay Servant
Certified Lay Speaker
Certified Lay Minister
Reports to Charge Conference
Certified Lay Servant
Certified Lay Speaker
Certified Lay Minister