Living the Connection: The Continuing United Methodist Church

Lay Servant Ministry

NORTHERN PIEDMONT DISTRICT LAY SERVANT MINISTRY LEADERSHIP

2023 LAY SERVANT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

  • 2023 Northern Piedmont Lay Servant Training
    February 25, 26, and March 4, 5
    Decision about in-person or virtual is expected around February 8, 2023.
  • Our 2023 Lay Servant Training will include one basic class, and four advanced classes.
  • Complete details about our 2023 classes, registration, pastor recommendations, COVID-19 safety measures, etc. is downloadable here.
  • Registration is open for all classes, and will be open through February 13, 2023. Class sizes are limited, so sign up today to get your first choice! REGISTER HERE!
  • If we are able to be in-person, COVID-19 safety measures will be followed as we make efforts to do no harm, and keep everyone safe. Participants will be asked during registration to confirm that they will follow the COVID-19 safety measures.

 

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT LAY SERVANT MINISTRY

12 After [Jesus] washed the disciples’ feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you speak correctly, because I am. 14 If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do. 16 I assure you, servants aren’t greater than their master, nor are those who are sent greater than the one who sent them. 17 Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.   (John 13:12-17, CEB)
 

In 2012, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church changed the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries.  The term servant was chosen to expand the reach of this leadership development program.  No longer should participants view this as a training for only those who feel called to “fill the pulpit” when the pastor is away.

There is no change in the process of becoming a local church or certified lay servant.

Local Church Lay Speaker is now a Local Church Lay Servant – One receives this designation once he/she take the basic lay servant class.  A lay servant will receive training to be a more effective Sunday School Class teacher, coordinator of Vacation Bible School, outreach ministry leader, etc.

Certified Lay Speaker is now a Certified Lay Servant – One receives this designation after having taken the basic class and then an advanced class.  Certified Lay Servants will leadership development training in order to serve their local church, district, and/or the conference in a multitude of ways.  For example, this program would be appropriate for those called to be an UMW or UMM district officer; those desiring to lead a mission project for a missional network; or someone who feels called to volunteer with Hospice, etc. 

A new servant ministry role has also been added to this program:

Certified Lay Speaker – The purpose of this new designation is for persons who feel called to provide “pulpit supply” to a church.  As such, a Certified Lay Speaker might fill in for 1-2 months at a church while the pastor is out on a formational and spiritual growth leave.  Alternatively, this person might also preach once a month on a multi-point charge.  Requirement for this new role include Lay Servant certification followed by 60 hours of classes (mostly online).  Once the required classwork is completed, the servant leader will meet with the District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries for approval.

[Downloadable Version]

Downloadable Chart Explaining Training and Requirements of Lay Servants