Local Church Lay Speakers

Local church lay speakers are members of local congregations who have successfully completed the basic course in Lay Speaking Ministries. The basic course includes 10 to 15 hours of class time and about an equal amount of preparation time outside class. In most districts, participants in the basic course prepare one or more short sermons or devotions that are critiqued by the instructor and other participants. However, the main focus of the basic course is for each participant to examine their call to Christian service and to learn ways in which to respond to that call.

The basic course study guide (right) is available in English and Spanish, and Korean and Creole translations can be requested. A Vietnamese translation is underway.

According to the 2000 United Methodist Book of Discipline, local church lay speakers are called to service through:

• Fostering care-giving ministries within the local church and community
• Providing assistance and support to local church programs
• Providing leadership for work areas and committees involved in congregational and community life
• Offering leadership in prayer, study, training and discussion
• Assisting or conducting worship services in the local church
• Presenting sermons, devotions or meditations in the local church

Local church lay speakers are recognized and approved by their congregation, their pastor and the district committee on Lay Speaking Ministries. To maintain their status, they must reapply each year by filing an annual report that has been approved at their church conference.