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. 

​

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.