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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    ministries

    Certified Lay Minister

    A certified lay minister is a certified lay servant or certified lay missioner who is called and equipped to serve as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson. 

    Click here for the Certified Lay Minister (CLM) forms. 

    Some areas of service may include, but are not limited to:

    • Caring for the congregation                         
    • Developing new faith communities
    • Conducting public worship                           
    • Leading small groups
    • Establishing outreach ministries                  
    • Serving as a Class Leader
    • Preaching the Word                                     
    • Assisting in program leadership
    • Visitation or Care ministries
    • Engaging in specialized ministries after appropriate training such as in parish nursing and church planting

    The certified lay minister serves to enhance the quality of ministry, much like a class leader did in early Methodism, through service in the local church, circuit, or cooperative parish, or by expanding team ministry in other churches and charges.  As with lay ministry in early Methodism, the certified lay minister uses his or her spiritual gifts as evidence of God’s grace.

    Requirements for certification:

    • Certified as a lay servant or lay missioner.
    • Pastor and church council or charge conference recommendation
    • Completion of Modules 1 – 4, Certified Lay Ministry training
    • District Superintendent recommendation
    • Appropriate screening and assessment
    • Interview with and recommendation from district committee on Ordained Ministry
    • Conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries approval.

    Requirements for renewal:

    • Annual report.
    • Pastor and church council or charge conference recommendation.
    • Ministry review.
    • Lay Servant Ministries advanced course or approved continuing education event biennially (once every two years).
    • District Superintendent recommendation.
    • Every two years interview with and recommendation from district committee on Ordained Ministry
    • Conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries approval.

    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."