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.
Upcoming Classes
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