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Lay Speaking

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Lay Speaking Ministries

In the United Methodist Church

 

 

What is Lay Speaking Ministries?

Leading, Caring, Communicating:  these words characterize what lay speakers do in ministry as The United Methodist Church engages the world of the twenty-first century!

LEADING:  Lay speakers combine words and actions in leadership roles within their churches and communities.  

CARING:  As lay speakers combine words with deeds, they find ways to care for others.  Some are involved in crisis ministries, such as visiting grieving families.  Lay speakers share a ministry of caring one-on-one with people in times of need and in times of joy, and show their faith by responding to others with care--giving love and service.

COMMUNICATING:  Both the Bible and Christian experience point to the importance of proclaiming God's transforming love for a broken world.  Lay speakers often fill pulpits, lead Bible studies, or speak in youth and children's groups, healthcare centers, retirement centers, prison ministries, and more. 

Lay Speaking Ministries is a program  to provide training opportunities and experiences to equip disciples of Jesus Christ to realize and respond to their personal call to ministry. Since each disciple is ‘gifted’ with one or more spiritual gifts (skills given by the Holy Spirit for the express purpose of serving the body of believers and thereby God),  Lay Speaking Ministries strives to help disciples become aware of their particular gift or gifts by offering educational events to enhance and develop the skill level necessary for the full fruition of these gifts. It is an excellent vehicle for servant ministry skill development and has aided thousands of church members to be better servants of Jesus Christ, to become stronger church family leaders, and to more capably assist their pastors.

What is a Lay Speaker?

A United Methodist Lay Speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communications, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries.  This person must be active in the support of the local church or charge.

A Lay Speaker is:
An active supportive member of the United Methodist Church;

  1. Eager to serve through the church;
  2. Well-informed on the Scripture and the doctrine, heritage, organization and the life of The United Methodist Church;
  3. Committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care-giving ministries, and spoken communication; and 
  4. Willing to improve his or her skills for service.
     

Lay Speaking Ministries offers training opportunities for laity who would like to use their witness, leadership, and service to inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship.  This may include the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church.

 

What is expected of a Lay Speaker?

          Local Church Lay Speakers

  1. Support and minister to the local church
  2. Look for leadership opportunities in the local church
  3. Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year
  4. Take a refresher course every three years

    Certified Lay Speakers
     
  5. Support and minister to the local church and beyond
  6. Can be utilized by other congregations
  7. Look for leadership opportunities in the local church and beyond
  8. Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year
  9. Must take at least one Advanced Course every three years to maintain certification.

 

 

Lay Speaking Ministries and The Book of Discipline

¶267 - Lay Speaking Ministries
 1. A lay speaker (local church or certified) is a professing member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. An applicant must be active in the support of the local church or charge.
2. Lay speakers are to serve the local church or charge (or beyond the local church or charge) in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church.
3. Through continued study and training a lay speaker should prepare to undertake one or more of the following functions, giving primary attention to service within the local church or charge.
a) To take initiative in giving leadership, assistance, and support to the program emphases of the church.
b) To lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking.
c) To conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship, and present sermons and addresses when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking.
d) To relate to appropriate committees and ministry areas in providing leadership for congregational and community life and fostering care-giving ministries.
4. Lay speaker training courses shall be those recommended by the General Board of Discipleship or alternates approved by the conference committee on lay speaking. Such training should enable ministries with all language and cultural groups as appropriate.
5. It is recommended that a service of commitment be held for persons recognized as local church or certified lay speakers.

¶268 - Local Church Lay Speaker
 1. A candidate may be recognized as a local church lay speaker by the district or conference committee on lay speaking after the candidate has:
a) Made application in writing to the appropriate committee and has been recommended by the pastor and the church council or the charge conference of the local church in which membership is held. The district superintendent shall be responsible for reporting the names of applicants to the appropriate committee.
b) Completed the basic course for lay speaking.
2. The local church lay speaker shall serve the local church in which membership is held by witness of the spoken word, vital leadership service, and care-giving ministry (See ¶ 267.3).
3. To maintain status, a report and reapplication with recommendations must be submitted annually and a refresher course approved by the Conference Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries must be completed once in every three years. (See ¶ 247.11).

¶269 - Certified Lay Speaker
 1. A candidate may be recognized as a certified lay speaker by the district or conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries after the candidate has:
a) Made application in writing to the appropriate committee and has been recommended by the pastor and the church council or the charge conference of the local church in which he or she holds membership.
b) Completed both basic and one advanced training courses for lay speaking.
c) Had his or her qualifications reviewed and approved by the appropriate committee (See ¶ 259.2 f [9]).
2. The certified lay speaker shall continue to serve the local church in the witness of the spoken word, vital leadership service, and care-giving ministry (See ¶ 267.1). In addition, the certified lay speaker may serve in the district and conference and in local churches other than the local church in which membership is held.
3. Recognition as a certified lay speaker shall be renewed annually by the district or conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries after the certified lay speaker has:
a) Requested in writing the renewal of certification.
b) Submitted an annual report to the charge conference and the committee on Lay Speaking Ministries, giving evidence of the satisfactory performance of lay speaking service.
c) Been recommended for renewal by the pastor and the church council or charge conference.
d) Completed at least once in every three years an advanced course for lay speakers.

¶270 - Transfer of Certification by Certified Lay Speakers
 A certified lay speaker who moves may transfer certification to the new district upon receipt of a letter from the previous district's committee on Lay Speaking Ministries confirming current certification and the date of completion of the most recent advanced course taken. Further renewal of certification is in accordance with ¶ 269.

¶630 - The Conference Board of Laity
 3. The following membership of the board is recommended: the conference lay leader, associate conference lay leaders, the conference director of Lay Speaking Ministries...

6. Conference Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries—a) Every annual conference is encouraged to create a conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries or other equivalent structure to fulfill the requirements of ¶¶ 267-269, 272 and to relate to the conference board of laity and the General Board of Discipleship as per ¶ 1117 and others that might apply.
b) The purpose of a conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries is to set criteria and guidelines for district committees on Lay Speaking Ministries, to develop lay speaking courses and approve courses developed by district committees, and to organize conference-wide lay speaking events.
c) A conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries will consist, at a minimum, of the district directors of Lay Speaking Ministries or their equivalent.
d) There will be a conference director of Lay Speaking Ministries. This position will be filled in a manner to be determined by the annual conference. The conference director will chair the committee. Other officers will be elected by the committee as the committee deems necessary.
7. Responsibilities in the area of Ministry of the Laity—a) To develop and promote programs to cultivate an adequate understanding of the theological and biblical basis for ministry of the laity among the members of the churches of the annual conference; to give special emphasis to programs and services that will enable laity of all ages to serve more effectively as leaders in both church and community.
b) To provide support and direction for such lay programs as Lay Speaking Ministries, the observance of Laity Day, and the work of lay leaders on the local and district levels.
c) To give support and direction to the conference and district program for local church leadership development, coordinating and developing training experiences that will enable persons of all ages to serve more effectively as members of local church councils on ministries, church councils, and the committees, commissions, and task forces related to these groups.
d) To organize a conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries that will fulfill the requirements of ¶¶ 267-269 on behalf of the conference. This committee shall set guidelines and criteria to be used by district committees (see ¶ 666)

¶658 - The District Lay Leader
 6. The district lay leader shall work with the District Superintendent to ensure that there is a district director of Lay Speaking Ministries and shall serve on the district committee on Lay Speaking Ministries.

¶665 - The District Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries
 Districts are encouraged to create a district committee on Lay Speaking Ministries related to the annual conference through the conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries.
1. The purpose of the district committee on Lay Speaking Ministries is to plan and supervise the program within the district.
2. The committee is chaired by the district director of Lay Speaking Ministries. In addition to the director, membership of the committee will include the district lay leader, the district superintendent, and an instructor of lay speaking courses. Other resource people may be added as needed.
3. The responsibilities of a district committee on Lay Speaking Ministries are to provide basic training for local church lay speakers and advanced courses for certified lay speakers as recommended by the General Board of Discipleship, or as approved by the conference committee on Lay Speaking Ministries; to decide who will be recognized as certified lay speakers; to help match lay speakers and certified lay ministers with service opportunities; and to support and affirm lay speakers and certified lay ministers as they serve.
4. The district committee shall plan advanced courses for lay speaking that will enable certified lay speakers to maintain that recognition.
5. The district committee will report to the pastor and charge conference of each certified lay speaker the courses that have been satisfactorily completed by the certified lay speaker.

¶1117 - GBOD: The Ministry of the Laity
 6. Provide support to conference and district directors of Lay Speaking Ministries, to conference and district committees on Lay Speaking Ministries, and to the Association of Conference Directors of Lay Speaking Ministries. In consultation with the conference directors, set standards for local church, certified lay speakers, and certified lay ministers and provide teaching resources for use by annual conference and district committees.

This information is from:  http://www.layspeakingministries.org/

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Lay Speaker Training Events  

Oak Ridge District
Lay Speaker Training

Date: We do not have any training dates set for 2009 at this time.

Place:

Times:   

Courses Offered:

"Lay Speaking Ministries: Youth Basic Course"
 

Brochure will be mailed out soon!

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Certified Lay Ministers

Certified Lay Ministry Brochure

The Ministry of a CLM

The Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is intended to serve as a congregational leader in smaller churches as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. CLMs may preach the word, and guide the program ministry and mission of a congregation.

While CLMs can provide the essential guidance and pastoral leadership and services necessary for effective mission and ministry in churches, they are not intended to replace clergy, but rather to work beside them and with them as part of a team ministry. As such, they do not wear clerical robes or stoles, and do not have sacramental authority (such as serving communion or performing baptisms).

Rather than using deficit thinking (we have a clergy shortage, lack of funds for traditional pastoral leadership in our small church, use certified lay speakers already…), it is helpful to see CLMs as an asset (an extension of clergy/lay leadership) in missional settings, such as our smaller congregations, faith communities, ethnic/culturally diverse ministries, and other places where team ministry is valued.

Although certified lay speakers had been placed in a similar role before the 2004 General Conference, it is now the intent of the church that a CLM be used in those situations. The certification process prepares the CLM to be an intentional, holistic congregational leader assigned under the supervision of an equipping clergyperson in a team ministry. The CLM is not intended for occasional pulpit supply.

Ways that CLMs are currently being used include:

  • Preaching the Word.
  • Providing a care ministry program for a congregation.
  • Assisting in program leadership.
  • Providing stability in a small church that has experienced frequent turnover in pastoral leadership.
  • Being from the specific culture or ethnic group an existing congregation is trying to reach as a new faith community. Indigenous leadership can be essential in this situation!
  • Leading as part of a pastoral team in circuits, parishes or clusters (each church could have a dedicated CLM).
  • Joining a team of 2-4 CLMs to serve a congregational previously served by a full-time elder. The CLMs can help transition to a new form of leadership or time commitment.
  • Developing CLMs for specialized ministry as part of church staff in larger churches.
  • Serving smaller churches around a larger "hub" church that do not have consistent pastoral leadership, rotating the clergyperson for sacramental life in each place and covering each pulpit.
  • Deploying qualified CLMs for missional leadership in new church starts or redevelopments.
  • Forming a ministry team for regional mission.
  • Removing a congregation from a multi-point charge that is not thriving, to have its own pastoral leader.
  • Providing a break for a congregation that has been hurt by clergy misconduct or crisis.
  • Developing indigenous or residential leaders in ethnic, cultural or socioeconomic communities distinct from the majority population.
  • Restarting an urban mission.
  • Beginning new ministries in partnership with organizations beyond the church (nursing homes, jails, rehabilitation centers, YMCA, etc.).

The District Superintendent may also approve a CLM to perform, or assist clergy, at marriages and funerals (if allowed by the State, and supported by the Annual Conference guidelines). The CLM may also lead a service sharing Holy Communion already consecrated by clergy.

It may be helpful to understand the definitions of the various words used about ministerial positions in The United Methodist Church:

  • Celebrant: A term for the person leading a worship service that includes the sacrament of communion. In most cases, only an ordained clergy can be a celebrant.
  • Certified Lay Minister: A qualified lay person may be assigned as a congregational leader with pastoral responsibilities. These individuals must serve as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson.
  • Clergy: People who are called to an itinerant ministry under the placement of a Bishop. Elders, Deacons and Licensed Local Pastors are all called recognized as clergy and subject to the appointment of their Bishop.
  • Deacon: The word deacon comes from the Greek diakonos, which means servant. Today, a Deacon is ordained for community service and witness and is considered clergy. They do not have sacramental authority, however.
  • Elder: Elder is the English word which translates from the Greek word presbuteros. Today, an Elder is someone who has attended seminary and been ordained by the Bishop for itinerant ministry.
  • Licensed Local Pastor: A person who has attended the Conference School of Ministry and made the decision to complete a "Course of Study" can be be licensed. These individuals are considered clergy and appointed annually for service as a pastor to a congregation. Their license is only in effect when they are appointed to a local congregation.
  • Minister: Minister is the Latin word that means "doer of little deeds." In some churches, the word minister denotes a person who is charged with the spiritual care of a congregation. Minister is a generic term that includes all who are baptized and assist in the mission and ministry of the church: clergy or lay. All of the following are recognized ministers on the United Methodist Church: Bishops, Elders, Deacons, licensed local pastors, and Certified Lay Ministers.
  • Pastor: Pastor is the Latin word for shepherd. This word refers to the minister who is charged with the primary spiritual care of a local church.
  • Reverend: The term reverend is an adjective that simply indicates that a person is clergy. It is meant as a title of respect and used in communications.

Are You Called to Certified Lay Ministry?

Perhaps you are a Certified Lay Speaker who has occasionally filled a pulpit for a vacationing Pastor. Perhaps you often find yourself in a place to visit the sick or talk with those uncertain about God and in these places been able to talk about faith in an invitational, compassionate manner that brings people closer to Christ.

Perhaps you have even considered a call to ministry in the past, but wanted to remain in the community where you live as a faithful servant. Perhaps you are the one others look toward to share your faith story. Perhaps you are not confident of a call to ministry, yet know that God has a hold on your life. Have you ever asked yourself: Could God be calling me to ministry?

Sometimes when that happens, we think we have to leave home or business to "go" into ministry. It doesn't have to be this way. Every Christian is a minister! And Certified Lay Ministry may be an appropriate response for you!

What is a Certified Lay Minister?

A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a qualified United Methodist layperson called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergy person. They are intended for the missional leadership of smaller churches as part of a team ministry under the supervision of a clergyperson, but often serve the church on many other ways. Paragraph 272 in the 2004 Book of Discipline, authorized by the 2004 General Conference, explains Certified Lay Ministry, requirements, and service distinction.

A person wishing to become a CLM enters the certification process, which includes training, support, supervision and accountability, while serving in a local church assigned by the District Superintendent. CLMs are laypeople serving out their call as a disciple of Jesus Christ. They are not intended to be reimbursed as either a full- or part-time clergy, and are encouraged to have their main source of livelihood beyond their local church.

Our Book Of Discipline tells us that a CLM:

  • Is an extension of the historic role of laity in the Methodist environment.
  • Is trained, supported, supervised and accountable for leadership in their context.
  • Can be assigned by the Bishop and Cabinet as appropriate leaders in smaller churches and faith communities.
  • Have the support and supervision of a clergyperson.
  • Can make a real difference in the vitality of congregations that otherwise may be discontinued for lack of a pastor.

If you are interested in becoming a CLM, pray to discern God's will in your life. Reflect on questions like these: Could God be calling you as a layperson to be a part of a ministry team using pastoral gifts given to you? Could you serve God faithfully as a CLM in the congregation you are a member of or one nearby currently without a pastor? Are you willing to explore this form of leadership in The United Methodist Church?

If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, consider becoming a Certified Lay Minister and experience what it is like to be faithfully alive to the possibilities of leading the mission and ministry of a church today as part of a Ministry Team. Talk with your pastor or District Superintendent to explore the process. Complete the training. Dedicate yourself to this task.

May God bless you as you make yourself available for this call!

This information is from: http://www.gbod.org/laity/clm/default.html


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Youth Lay Speaking 

Youth Lay Speaking Brochure

General Board of Discipleship
Lay Speaking Ministries Web Site

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