Lay Servant Ministries is a leadership development program in the United Methodist Church focused on educating and empowering people who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry.
There are three main areas of focus:
Leading- Lay servants are the leaders of the church. Lay servant training will help them facilitate small groups, prayer meetings, mission events, committees and teams.
Caring- Lay servants provide care and support both for the congregation and the church staff. They can be trained in assisting with hospital visits, welcoming guests, new member care, establishing local mercy ministries, prison ministry and other caring ministries both in the church and the community.
Communicating- Lay servants are called to share the Good News of Christ, as are all believers, and this can occur through presenting the Gospel through preaching, teaching or speaking. It can also be done by encouraging others who are suffering, speaking on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, and most importantly, displaying the life of Christ in all areas of their lives.
What is a Certified Lay Speaker?
¶ 267. Certified Lay Speaker—1. A certified lay speaker is a certified lay servant (or equivalent as defined by his or her central conference) whose call has been affirmed by the conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries or equivalent structure to serve the church in pulpit supply in accordance and compliance with ¶ 341.1. 2. The certified lay speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on Lay Servant Ministries, in accordance and compliance with ¶ 341.1.
For more details, see the Certified Lay Speaker Guidesheet.
Click here for Certified Lay Speaker Guidesheet
Initial Application Forms
Certified Lay Speaker Online Application
https://awf-reg.brtapp.com/CertifiedLaySpeakerApplication
Click here for Certified Lay Speaker Application Request
Certification Online Request (to be done once all courses are complete)
https://awf-reg.brtapp.com/CertificationRequestbyCommitteeonLayServantMinistries
Renewal Forms
Certified Lay Speaker Online Renewal Request
https://awf-reg.brtapp.com/CertifiedLaySpeakerRenewal
Click here for Certified Lay Speaker Annual Report
Certification Online Request (to be done an advanced course is complete)
https://awf-reg.brtapp.com/CertificationRequestbyCommitteeonLayServantMinistries
*Email all applications to Heather Howell, Director of Lay Servant Ministries AWFUMC, hhowellclc@gmail.com