Lay Servant Ministries
Lay Servant Ministries is a United Methodist leadership development program that is focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through ministries of leading, caring, and communicating.
For general information on our work, see the Lay Servant Ministries section of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship website. Click here for documents and resources for Lay Servant Ministries.
NEW Lay Speaker Fast Track, bringing every required course into one yearly sequence.
(Classes are open to everyone, not just those seeking Lay Speaker certification)
2026 Classes offered in the Arkansas Conference can be found here.
Classes offered in nearby conferences are available here.
Lay Speaker Fast Track Training
Lay Speakers are trained laity who can step in to preach and lead worship when a pastor needs to be away, and, in some cases, provide longer coverage.
The Lay Speaker Fast Track brings every required course into one yearly sequence, giving churches a steady stream of prepared lay preachers and worship leaders. It gives candidates a clear timeline to finish requirements without delays. The aim is to equip committed lay servants with solid theological grounding and practical ministry skills so congregations receive consistent worship support wherever it’s needed.
- Each class requires a $15 registration fee.
- Scholarships are available upon request at lsm@arumc.org.
- Classes will be held via Zoom from 9 am to 4 pm unless otherwise noted.
- Classes are open to everyone, not just those seeking Lay Speaker certification.
- Facilitators will email participants with required pre class assignment information.
- Deadline to register is 2 weeks before class date.
*Requirements for Lay Speaker Certification
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Course: Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course
A foundation in United Methodist discipleship, leadership, and servant ministry.
Book: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course, Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson
ISBN 978-0-88177-627-00
Facilitator: Carole Baker, Lay Speaker/Northwest District Lay Leader
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Identify and use your spiritual gifts for ministry and the life of the church.
Book: Each One a Minister, William J. Carter
ISBN 978-0-88177-375-0
Facilitator: Jeanna Cook, Lay Speaker
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Course: Leading Worship
Core principles of United Methodist worship and planning with theological intention.
Book: Worshiping with United Methodists, Hoyt Hickman
ISBN 978-0-687-33526-8
Facilitator: Rev. Patti Butler
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Course: Leading Prayer
Learn how to write and lead public prayer with pastoral care and clarity.
Book: Shaping the Prayers of the People, Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher
ISBN 978-0-8028-7097-1
Facilitator: TBD
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Course: Preaching
Build biblical sermons from study to delivery with confidence and pastoral awareness.
Book: From Pew to Pulpit, Clifton F. Guthrie
ISBN 978-0-687-06660-5
Facilitator: Rev. Michelle Morris
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Course: United Methodist Heritage
Explore Wesleyan history, theological roots, and the Methodist movement.
Book: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way, Kenneth L. Carder
ISBN 978-0-88177-571-6
Facilitator: TBD
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Course: United Methodist Polity
Understand how the UMC is structured, governed, and organized for mission.
Book: Polity, Practice, and the Mission of the United Methodist Church, Thomas Edward Frank
ISBN 978-0-687-33531-2
Facilitator: TBD
CERTIFIED LAY SERVANT
A certified lay servant serves the local church or charge (and/or beyond) and:
- provides program leadership, assistance and support.
- leads meetings for prayer, training, study and discussion.
- conducts or assists in conducting services of worship, preaches the Word or gives addresses.
- provides congregational and community leadership and fosters caring ministries.
- assists in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion.
- teaches the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of The United Methodist Church.
Certified lay servants who wish to develop their skills further may choose a track to become certified as lay speakers or as lay ministers.
CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER
A certified lay speaker is called specifically to pulpit supply and serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay servant ministries in accordance with and compliance with paragraph 341.1 of The Book of Discipline.
HOW DO LAY SPEAKERS DIFFER FROM LAY SERVANTS?
- Lay Speakers are called specifically to occasionally serve a pulpit by preaching the Word when requested
- Education requirements include the Lay Speaker Track of Study and 1 Advanced Course every 3 years
CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) differs from a Lay Speaker primarily in their level of commitment and scope of service. CLMs may be assigned as pastors for smaller congregations or serve in various ministry team roles within larger congregations, such as overseeing outreach or congregational care. This role involves a long-term commitment with diverse responsibilities, whereas Lay Speakers typically serve one Sunday or in short-term capacity, serving as pulpit supply.
HOW DO LAY MINISTERS DIFFER FROM LAY SPEAKERS?
- Lay Ministers fill an ongoing need for congregational leadership (would be assigned to a church as its minister)
- Education requirements include Lay Minister-specific classes
Director of Arkansas Conference Lay Servant Ministries:
Teresa (Tee) Healy-Bolin
(501) 837-4764
teresa.bolin@arumc.org
Central District:
Jim Silvi
(501) 425-2799
jim.silvi@arumc.org
Northeast District:
LaDonna Busby
(870) 793-5274
lbusby@arumc.org
Northwest District and Assistant Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries:
Karen Anderson
(479) 372-3191
karen.anderson@arumc.org
South District:
Penny Lee
penny.lee@arumc.org