ministries

Certified Lay Speaker

A certified lay speaker is a certified lay servant whose call has been affirmed by the conference committee on lay servant ministries to serve the church in pulpit supply in accordance and compliance with ¶341.1  The certified lay speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay servant ministries.

Requirements for certification:

• Certified as a lay servant.
• Pastor and church council or charge conference recommendation.
• Completion of a track of study:
  - Leading Worship
  - Leading Prayer
  - Discovering Spiritual Gifts
  - Preaching
  - United Methodist Heritage
  - United Methodist Polity

Conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries approval after interview with and recommendation from the district committee on Lay Servant Ministries.

Requirements for renewal:

• Annual report and renewal application.
• Pastor and church council or charge conference recommendation.
• Lay Servant Ministries advanced course in the last three years.
• Conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries approval every three years after interview with and recommendation from the district committee on Lay Servant Ministries.