Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders - Ministry of Lay Excellence

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!

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: Exciting Opportunities to Empower Lay People in 2023

Kim Shockley, Coordinator of Lay Excellence

This new year is bringing with it many opportunities to refresh and empower lay people throughout the Susquehanna Conference! Bishop Jeremiah Park often reminded us that we serve the risen Christ “for such a time as this!” Bishop Steiner-Ball and Bishop Moore Koi-Koi tell us that “God is doing a new thing!” Both of these scriptural directives ring true for me as the Coordinator of Lay Excellence! Now is the time for lay people to embrace their God-given gifts and talents for God’s Beloved Community!

There are two opportunities, among many, that are particularly helpful to our lay people. The first is our Certified Lay Minister School for 2023. Certified Lay Ministers (CLM) are current Certified Lay Servants who are feeling a call to a new ministry. Whether this is a supportive role within the life of your congregation, or as a pastor in another congregation, or as an educator, or musician, or community developer, CLM ministry is an important step in lay empowerment! 

We have an exciting line up of instructors for this school and we are excited to see how God uses this training in your life! Some Districts are offering scholarships for this school, so check with your District Lay Servant Committee to see what may be available! The flyer with information and a registration link is provided here.

Second is our Coach Approach Training, offered in three locations in February and March for $15, which includes lunch. The instructors for these 6-hour training events are ICF Certified Coaches in our conference who are currently active members of our Susquehanna Coaching Network: Ron Doverspike, Ryan Krauss, and me. 

The purpose of Coach Approach Training is to learn the skills of coaching and how to put it into practice. Anyone who leads a group or team will benefit from this training because the end result of a coach approach is greater accomplishment of goals and engagement of people in those goals. The posture of a coach approach is curiosity, leading to listening well and asking powerful questions that lead to committed action steps. Come join us as we learn the basics and several different ways that a coach approach can be used within your local congregation’s ministry. The flyer and registration is provided here.

If you have questions about either of these events, please contact me at kshockley@susumc.org.