Kim Shockley, Coordinator of Lay Excellence
It has been my great joy to work with wonderful lay people throughout the Susquehanna Conference to grow spiritual transformational leaders who engage others in abundant Christian love that transforms lives wherever they go! This has been evidenced through the testimonies of those who have completed “GROW! Living as Spiritual Transformational Leaders.” Each person is able to articulate a growing sense of personal calling for the work that God has for each to do, and awareness of the needs within everyone's communities. God is doing great work through our Lay People!
In the past two years our Lay Servant Ministries throughout the Susquehanna Conference have experienced quite a transformation! Each district now has an active Committee on Lay Servant Ministries that is planning and implementing regular training courses for Lay Servants, Lay Speakers, and Certified Lay Ministers. The chairpersons of each District Committee have joined together to become the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries, and are responsible for final approvals for Lay Speakers, Certified Lay Ministers, and curriculum development beyond what is offered through Discipleship Ministries. To learn more about Lay Servant Ministries, click on this link to our Lay Ministry page: https://susumc.org/lay-ministry/. Right now we are adding new information regularly about Lay Servant Ministry classes that are available in Spring 2023!
Our annual Certified Lay Minister School has started and looks forward to two more weekends of training at Wesley Forest! This year seven participants are working toward their CLM status and the possibilities of serving local churches as lay ministers. We are learning about our United Methodist history and theology, how to build a covenant for the work we are called to do, and leading worship. In March we look forward to learning more about congregational care, faith formation and discipleship! As a participant myself, it is so exciting to see and hear how God is working through each of these persons!
What is God placing on your heart? Have you been hearing the still, small voice that is nudging you to a closer walk with Jesus, or a way to use your skills to the benefit of your local church and community? How do you see God working among others in your family or congregation? How will you share an encouraging word to help them take their next faithful step? It takes all of us to pray for and support each other as we make disciples of Jesus Christ who will transform the world!
