In 2012 the General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. The new name was chosen to better define the role of those laity who wished to help lead in church beyond speaking alone.
The term “servant” best describes what Jesus told his disciples in John 13 after he himself had performed the duties of the lowliest servant. Just as Jesus called his disciples into service, we are called to live out our lives as servant leaders in the life of the church today.
Lay servants can choose from different levels of training, all of which will help our churches raise up quality transformational leaders who can help our churches in their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Persons who are already lay speakers or certified lay speakers are “grand-parented” into the new model. To continue in those roles, they will need to be renewed and re-certified by completing the new re-certification courses now developed.
In an effort to make our lay servant process simple yet effective, “Equipping God’s People” is the basic course requirement for the Susquehanna Conference. This course is designed to help people in local churches grow in leadership of guiding their congregations to greater effectiveness in disciple making.
For information about Lay Servant Ministries and “Equipping God’s People” courses being offered, contact your district office or go to the Lay Ministry page on the conference Web site: www.susumc.org/layministry.
Please Note: Although we are offering the “Equipping God’s People” course as the requirement for Lay Servant Ministries, individuals or churches can benefit from the training experience, too.
Churches are encouraged to send teams of people (ideal teams are about ten percent of the average worship attendance) to training sessions. These sessions will provide books, materials, and teaching for one fee. The groups will generally meet on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for three hours (total course time 24 hours) Groups may be cluster- or district-based.
A further step — Certified Lay Ministry
In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small-membership churches, expand team ministry in churches, and in deference to an expression of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and shall preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional, and connectional thrust of the United Methodist Church, as a part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person.The CLM may help lead the congregation in various ways. Each CLM and Staff Parish Relations Committee will create a covenant defining the ways in which the CLM shall serve as well as the responsibilities of the congregation. Each CLM will be assigned to a supervising elder who will assist the CLM and the SPRC as needed. The CLM may serve as part of a staff or may be the only pastoral leader assigned to a small-membership charge.
All persons serving a local church beyond pulpit supply who are not in the process of being licensed or ordained must be enrolled in the Certified Lay Minister Program (requirements are posted at www.susumc.org/layministry.) Persons must complete the entrance requirements for this program or [they] will not be permitted to serve beyond pulpit supply. This will be monitored by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Upon completion of the entrance requirements, a person may serve a church or charge as a candidate for lay ministry. Lay minister candidates and certified lay ministers are assigned, not appointed. The CLM remains a lay person and does not have sacramental privileges. The supervising elder works with the CLM to provide the sacraments to the assigned charge.
The Lay Servant Journey
The following describes three levels of lay servant ministry. Lay persons are encouraged to grow in their leadership skills by beginning as a certified lay servant. For those who want to continue to deepen their leadership role, they may become certified lay ministers, or lay speakers for those who desire to fill the pulpit. Below are the descriptions for each from the “United Methodist Book of Discipline.” Requirements for each level of certification can be found in the chart below left.
Certified Lay Servant
A certified lay servant desires to serve the church, knows and is committed to Scripture and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the United Methodist Church, and who has received specific training to witness to the Christian faith through spoken communication, to lead within a church or community, and to provide caring ministry. The certified lay servant serves the local church or charge (or beyond the walls of the local church or charge) in ways in which his or her witness, leadership, and service inspires others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. The certified lay servant should prepare to undertake one or more of the following functions: provide leadership, assistance, and support to the program of the church; lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion when requested; conduct or assist with services of worship, preach the word, or give addresses as requested; work with committees and teams which provide leadership or caring ministries; assist in Holy Communion; teach the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the United Methodist Church. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶266.1, 266.2)
Certified Lay Speaker
A certified lay speaker is a certified lay servant whose call has been affirmed ... to serve the church in pulpit supply. The certified lay speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶267.1, 267.2)
Certified Lay Minister
A certified lay minister is a certified lay servant, certified lay missioner (¶269), or equivalent ... who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community outreach ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person. The CLM serves to enhance the quality of ministry through service to the local church, circuit, or cooperative parish, or by expanding team ministry in other churches and charges. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶268.1, 268.2)
