Certified Lay Speakers

Certified lay speakers are members of a local congregation who have completed the basic course and at least one advanced course. Each advanced course represents up to 15 hours of classroom work and usually a similar amount of time outside the classroom.

According to the 2000 United Methodist Book of Discipline, certified lay speakers are called to serve by:

• Providing leadership at the local, district and conference level
• Taking the initiative in supporting and assisting with program emphases of the church
• Offering leadership in worship, prayer, study, training and discussion
• Assisting with or conducting worship services and presenting sermons, devotions or meditations in settings beyond the local church in which the certified lay speaker is a member

Certified lay speakers are recognized and approved by their congregation, their pastor and the district committee on Lay Speaking Ministries. To maintain certification, they must reapply each year by completing and submitting an annual report and take at least one advanced course (or equivalent) every three years. The advanced courses available in the “standard” curriculum include:

• A Ministry of Caring
• Lay Speakers Are Servant Leaders
• Lay Speakers Grow Spiritually Through Daily Discipline
• Lay Speakers Interpret to Others Our United Methodist Heritage
• Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study
• Lay Speakers Lead in Evangelism
• Lay Speakers Lead Prayer
• Lay Speakers Lead Small Groups
• Lay Speakers Lead in Stewardship
• Lay Speakers Lead in Worship
• Lay Speakers Preach
• Lay Speakers Lead in Mission Outreach
• Lay Speakers Lead in Cultivating Christian Community
• Lay Speakers Tell Stories (new in 2004)
• Lay Speakers Create Disciple-Making Faith Communities (new in 2004)

In addition, with the approval of the conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries, district committees can develop their own specialized courses that meet the unique needs of the lay speakers and the district.