Lay Speaking Ministries

Certified Lay Minister (CLM) resources now available

Certified Lay Ministry resources are now available to support the work of the certified lay minister (a new form of leadership in The United Methodist Church, authorized by the 2004 General Conference). These resources, developed through a partnership between staff at the General Boards of Discipleship and Higher Education and Ministry, are intended to prepare laity for assignments as pastoral leaders.

A certified lay minister (CLM) may serve smaller churches, faith communities, and ethnic/culturally diverse ministries where a traditional clergy appointment is simply not viable. A CLM may also serve in the church where he or she regularly worship when it is determined that a pastoral team would enhance faithful mission and ministry in that community.
For more information, click here or see the brochure below.

South Central Jurisdiction Lay Speaking Ministries Conference--July 11-13 at Mt. Sequoyah

Below you can find the brochure/registration form for the South Central Jurisdiction Lay Speaking Ministries Conference, "Back to Basics with Wesley," July 11-13 at Mt. Sequoyah Retreat Center in Fayetteville, Ark. It will be a great weekend as we revisit our roots and examine some of the things that allowed the Methodist movement to be such a powerful influence in America. This experience will give Lay Speakers of the jurisdiction an opportunity to "experience the excitement," and hopefully be challenged, as Drs. Jim and Molly Davis Scott help us to look at our modern day United Methodist Church in light of our Wesleyan heritage.

As United Methodist Lay Speakers, we are supposed to know our Methodist heritage, "A United Methodist Lay Speaker is...well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church...."(The Book of Discipline). This weekend will help us fulfill that expectation.

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News, information and the upcoming courses calendar for Lay Speaking Ministries has moved to the conference Web site. Much of the content from the previous site can be found in the links provided below this text. The Lay Speaking Ministries upcoming courses calendar can be viewed by clicking on the Upcoming Events calendar icon, located below. Questions or ideas related to this section can be e-mailed to Bob Aderholt at bobmary@windstream.net.

Who are Lay Speakers?

A lay speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the church and who is well informed on the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communications, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. An applicant must be active in the support of a local United Methodist congregation.