May 2, 2026 8:00am
Cost: $15.00
Are you a member of the church and want to know what to do next?
Lay Servant Ministry classes provide participants with the opportunity to grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and equip themselves for meaningful service within the church and community. These classes are an excellent way to strengthen your connection to your local church and the wider United Methodist Church.
First Church Lay Servant Academy is on May 2, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This class is $15 and includes lunch and a workbook.
Sign-up HERE
Lay Servant Ministries is a United Methodist leadership development program that is focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through ministries of leading, caring, and communicating.
CERTIFIED LAY SERVANT
A certified lay servant serves the local church or charge (and/or beyond) and:
- provides program leadership, assistance, and support.
- leads meetings for prayer, training, study and discussion.
- conducts or assists in conducting services of worship, preaches the Word or gives addresses.
- provides congregational and community leadership and fosters caring ministries.
- assists in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion.
- teaches the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of The United Methodist Church.
Certified lay servants who wish to further develop their skills may choose a track to become certified as lay speakers or lay ministers.
CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER
A certified lay speaker is called specifically to the pulpit supply and serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay servant ministries in accordance with and in compliance with paragraph 341.1 of The Book of Discipline.
HOW DO LAY SPEAKERS DIFFER FROM LAY SERVANTS?
- Lay Speakers are called specifically to occasionally serve a pulpit by preaching the Word when requested
- Education requirements include the Lay Speaker Track of Study and 1 Advanced Course every 3 years
CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) differs from a Lay Speaker primarily in their level of commitment and scope of service. CLMs may be assigned as pastors for smaller congregations or serve in various ministry team roles within larger congregations, such as overseeing outreach or congregational care. This role involves a long-term commitment with diverse responsibilities, whereas Lay Speakers typically serve one Sunday or in a short-term capacity, serving as pulpit supply.