Lay Servant Ministries

A Certified Lay Servant…

• is a professing member of a local church
• desires to serve God’s mission for the world through the Church
• knows and is committed to Scripture, and to the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church
• serves through their witness, leadership, and service inspiring others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship
• is prepared to undertake one or more of the following functions :
  • provide leadership, assistance, and support to the ministries of their local congregation;
  • lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion;
  • conduct or assist in conducting services of worship;
  • preach the Word or offer devotions;
  • work with others in the congregation and community to provide leadership for and foster caring ministries;
  • assist in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion upon request by the pastor;
  • teach the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of The United Methodist Church

A Certified Lay Speaker…

• is a Certified Lay Servant
• serves by preaching the Word when invited by the pastor, the District Superintendent, or the Committee on Lay Servant Ministries

A Certified Lay Minister…

• is a Certified Lay Servant
• serves a in a local church or ministry setting
• conducts worship
• offers leadership
• assigned by the District Superintendent

How to become a first time Certified Lay SERVANT

• Have a conversation with your pastor
• Complete the WNCC Lay Servant Training Questions and Form
• Complete the Introduction to Lay Ministry: the BASIC Course
• Complete an Advanced Course in Lay Servant Training
• Receive approval from the Pastor and Charge Conference of your Local Church

I am already a Certified Lay SERVANT and need to maintain my certification

• Complete an Annual Report for the Charge Conference of your Local Church
• Receive recommendation for renewal from the Pastor and Charge Conference of your Local Church
• Complete an Advanced Course in Lay Servant Training once every three years.

How to become a first time Certified Lay SPEAKER

• Have a conversation with your pastor
• Complete the WNCC Lay Servant Training Questions and Form
• Complete the Basic Course in Lay Servant Training, and 6 Advanced Courses in each of the following areas:
  • Leading Worship
  • Leading Public Prayer
  • Discovering Spiritual Gifts
  • Preaching
  • UMC Heritage
  • UMC Polity
• Receive approval from the Pastor and the Charge Conference of your Local Church
• Receive approval from the District and Conference Lay Servant Ministries Committee

I am already a Certified Lay SPEAKER and need to maintain my certification

• Complete an Annual Report for the Charge Conference of your Local Church
• Receive a recommendation for renewal from the Pastor and the Charge Conference of your Local Church
• Complete an Advanced Course once every three years
• Receive a recommendation for renewal from the District and Conference Lay Servant Ministries Committee every three years