Lay Servant Ministries

All members of Christ’s universal church are called to share in the ministry which is committed to the whole church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, each member of The is to be a servant of Christ on mission in the local and worldwide community. This servanthood is performed in family life, daily work, recreation and social activities, responsible citizenship, the stewardship of property and accumulated resources, the issues of corporate life, and all attitudes toward other persons. Participation in disciplined groups such as covenant discipleship groups or class meetings is an expected part of personal mission involvement. (¶220, 2012 Book of Discipline)

What is a lay servant?

A lay servant is a professing member of a local church who:

 is ready and desirous to serve the Church;  is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church; and  has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries.

An applicant must be active in their support of the local church. (¶266.1)

What does a local church Lay Servant do?

Serve the local church in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church.

What does a Certified Lay Servant do?

The same things a local church lay servant does plus making oneself available to serve beyond the local church in the district and conference. With appropriate training, a certified lay servant may also become a class leader. In our Wesleyan tradition, a class leader leads a small group of persons for the purpose of discipleship formation through mutual accountability and support.

What does a Lay Speaker do?

A Lay Speaker is a certified lay servant who is specially trained for pulpit supply. While pulpit supply is no more important than other roles within Lay Servant Ministries, it is a valuable and necessary role. Not everyone may be called to this role of Lay Speaker. For those whose discernment of call leads them to this place, advanced training is now required (as of the 2012 General Conference). That training consists of six courses: leading worship, leading prayer, discovering spiritual gifts, preaching, United Methodist heritage, and United Methodist polity. Other courses may be added by an annual conference in order to respond to a specific missional context. Each of these courses requires 10 hours of classroom work plus outside assignments.

Interested in becoming a Lay Servant? Interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant or a Lay Speaker? Keep Reading to find out about the next Training Event

Lay Servant Ministries Training

Training Event Held at Shepherd of the Valley UMC 3039 W. Cactus Road Phoenix, AZ

Cost: $20 – Includes dinner, continental breakfast, and lunch Course Material needs to be ordered from www..com

Friday, March 14th, 2014 Saturday, March 15th, 2014 5:00 pm Registration 8:00 am Breakfast 5:30 pm Gathering and Dinner 8:30 am Session 3 6:15 pm Session 1 10:15 am Session 4 7:45 pm Session 2 11:45 am Lunch 12:30 pm Session 5 2:15 pm Session 6 3:30 pm Communion & presentation of certificates 4:00 pm Sending Forth

Registration Form

Name ______

Address ______

City ______Zip Code ______

Phone______E-Mail ______

Course: Basic Lay Servant Ministry _____ Certified Lay Servant: Leading in Prayer _____ Lay Speaker: You Can Preach _____

Mail Registration forms to: Carol Armstrong 9920 W. Shasta Dr. Sun City, AZ 85351 email: [email protected] phone: 623-583-8322

Make $20 check payable to CW District, UMC

Registration deadline is March 7, 2014