written by Karen Anderson, NWD Lay Servant Ministry Coordinator
Every local church needs more laity who are informed, active, and empowered to help engage and encourage others to grow spiritually. A Certified Lay Servant serves the local church (or beyond) in ways in which their witness, leadership, and service inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. Lay servant classes help disciples explore their individual call, discern their gifts, and explore ways to serve.
Certified Lay Servants are called to serve in many different ways – not just in leadership roles but through supportive roles as well. The Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries Course is the beginning course for Lay Servant Ministries. It can also be used to acquaint ALL laity with their gifts, their calling and their responsibilities as followers of Christ. This is a great course for those serving on any local church leadership committee, for new congregation members or those considering joining the church.
There are many advanced courses to support lay servant certification and to deepen discipleship in general. There are courses on United Methodist Heritage, Leading and Teaching Adults, Discovering Spiritual Gifts, Congregational Care, Transforming Evangelism, and so much more. A complete catalog of courses is available at UMCdiscipleship.org.
Some Certified Lay Servants may feel called to provide pulpit supply occasionally. A pastor or district superintendent can request these Certified Lay Speakers to fill a pulpit when a pastor needs to be out. Six core courses have to be completed as one works towards becoming a Lay Speaker.
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is called to long-term, intentional ministry and serves as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson. A CLM can conduct public worship, care for the congregation, preach, lead discipleship formation, establish outreach ministries, assist in program leadership, and more.
To learn more about Lay Servant Ministries, visit the Arkansas Conference United Methodist website at arumc.org, call your District Director of Lay Servant Ministries, or call your district office.
Lay Servant Ministry Academy will be held on August 16 OR 17 at Asbury UMC in Little Rock. You will not attend both dates – you only need to pick one date to attend. Description of classes is available here. Register and learn more here.