Lay Speaking Ministries in the Detroit Conference

Over the past decade or more Lay Speaking Ministries (LSM) has changed significantly. Once it was primarily designed to provide occasional pulpit supply when clergy was not available. Although pulpit supply remains an important aspect of LSM, the program has evolved such that lay speakers perform a variety of caring, communicating, and leadership roles within their own congregations and for other congregations within and beyond each district.

Whether your interest in LSM is prompted by a need within your congregation, an interest in the training offered by the program or a desire to discover your call to Christian ministry, we suggest that you first review the role of lay speakers, especially if you haven’t checked this material recently. You will learn that there are two categories of lay speakers—local church and certified. Local church lay speakers have successfully completed the basic course, and certified lay speakers have followed the basic course with one or more advanced courses. Certified lay speakers have also remained active in the program by taking at least one advanced course every three years.

The leadership training offered through LSM is open to anyone who wishes to grow as a Christian. Although focused on laity, pastors have benefited from some courses. United Methodists who prefer not to be part of the LSM program but wish to benefit from the training, as well as members of other denominations, are generally welcome to audit LSM courses. Youth are also encouraged to take courses, especially if they are considering a call to full-time Christian ministry. In fact, some districts have developed special versions of the basic class exclusively for youth.

In the Detroit Conference, LSM programs are administered primarily by district directors and their committees. Most districts offer a variety of basic and advanced classes, although the schedule and format varies. Use the District Programs link to find the name of the LSM director in your district, learn a little about how the program is administered and find out when classes may be offered.

Thanks and God Bless!

Bonnie Lentz

Detroit Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries

P.S. Please contact your district director if you have questions or ministry needs that can perhaps be filled by a lay speaker.