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
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