Discover Lay Speaking Ministries
The purpose of Lay Speaking Ministries is to encourage and empower lay people to seek opportunities for service in active ministries in support of their local congregations and beyond.
What Is A Lay Speaker?
A Lay Speaker is an active, supportive member of a United Methodist congregation who is eager to be in ministry through the church. He/she is well-informed on scripture, doctrine, heritage, organization and life of the United Methodist Church and is committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care giving ministries and spoken communication. A Lay Speaker is willing to initiate ministry in partnership with clergy and other Lay Speakers and willing to improve his/her skills for service. Read on, and discover that Lay Speaking ministries involve much, much more than the traditional concept of preaching!
How Do Lay Speakers Serve?
There are two ways to serve as a Lay Speaker:
LOCAL CHURCH LAY SPEAKERS serve in and through their local congregations. To be recognized as a Local Church Lay Speaker, you must be recommended by your senior pastor and by your Administrative Council/Board and complete the Basic Lay Speaking course. To remain a Local Church Lay Speaker, you will submit an annual report to your Charge Conference detailing the results of your ministry and your own continued study and growth. Every three years, you will complete a Renewal Course in the Ministries of Lay Speaking published by the General Board of Discipleship.
CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKERS serve in their own congregations, in other churches, through District and Conference projects and programs and in the community beyond the church. To become a Certified Lay Speaker, you must be recommended by your senior pastor and by your Administrative Council/Board, be a Local Church Lay Speaker in good standing and complete an approved Advanced Lay Speaking course. To remain a Certified Lay Speaker, you will submit an annual report to your Charge Conference detailing the results of your ministry and your own continued study and growth. You will complete an approved Advanced Lay Speaking course at least every three years. A listing of the Approved Advanced Courses may be viewed by clicking on the appropriate link at the top of this page.
What Are The Cornerstones of Lay Speaking Ministries?
Lay Speaking Ministries are organized into three broad functional areas:
CARING...A cornerstone of the Lay Speaking Ministry is caring for others. Lay Speakers provide many forms of pastoral care with persons in crisis; the homeless, those in hospitals or shut in at home, those who are grieving, those who just want someone to listen to them. Lay Speakers are found visiting new or prospective members, working in prisons, helping with food or clothing banks and assisting with disaster relief. Lay Speakers witness by acting out God's love wherever people in need are found.
LEADING...Lay Speakers are often called upon to provide leadership in both formal and informal situations in their parish and communities. They are found organizing groups for projects, chairing committees, conducting studies or gathering information to help set direction for an organization. Many Lay Speakers serve in elected roles in all aspects of their community life as well in church settings. Lay Speakers witness by taking the
responsibility to make a difference and by empowering others to serve.
COMMUNICATING...Lay Speakers proclaim God's love through the spoken word. They are found leading Bible studies and worship events, speaking to groups in the church and community, filling pulpits when needed and serving as advocates for those in need. Lay Speakers witness by telling how God's Holy Spirit is working in and through their lives, with the belief that God will use them to help heal this broken world.