Leading in Prayer
by Mary O. Benedict
While a mystery, prayer can and should be taught. It is our primary means of communicating with God, yet most Christians join the church and only learn how to pray by listening to others. And if ever called on to pray in public, it becomes a real test of faith for most people. Benedict's deep passion for teaching Christians how to pray grows from her awareness of prayer as an intimate connection with God. This short course on public prayer will help you grow in confidence and skill, while encouraging a deeper and more vital prayer life in your personal life.
A LAY SPEAKER is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and willing to serve the Church and who is well informed on the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and the 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 his/her local church or charge. It is required that a Lay Speaker request in writing renewal of basic status and file a report with their local Charge Conference every year to maintain that status. A Basic Lay Speaker must take a renewal course (information enclosed) offered by the Greater New Jersey Conference once every three years. (The Book of Discipline)
It is required by the Book of Discipline that a Certified Lay Speaker completes both basic and one advanced training course for lay speaking and be recertified by taking an approved class once every three years. It is also required that a Certified Lay Speaker request in writing renewal of certification and file a report with their local Charge Conference
As the Church enters the 21 every year to maintain a certified status. st century emphasis has been put on a clergy/laity partnership in ministry. These courses are designed to train the laity to be a vital and exciting part of the ministry of Jesus Christ. Preaching or sharing with a congregation is not the goal of Lay Speaking Ministries, but it is designed to assist all church leadership in carrying out their ministries more effectively.
Any questions regarding Lay Speaking Ministries should be directed to the District Director of your church's District.
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REQUIREMENTS: Those seeking Certified Lay Speaking status must be a Basic (Local) Lay Speaker. Pre-registration is a must!
REGISTRATION: Registrations should be mailed with the check to the conference offices: GNJ Conference, attn: April Castaldo, 1001 Wickapecko Drive, Ocean, NJ 07712. Registrations should be received by October 1, 2008.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 8, 2008 (Please note: Deadline has been extended. The orginal deadline was October 1)
NOTIFICATION: Please call, mail or email your District Director of Lay Speaking Ministries. (directory on reverse side)
COST: Checks should be made payable to the $50.00 per person. It is suggested that the local church share in this expense as a sign of encouragement. Greater New Jersey Annual Conference.
QUESTIONS: Please contact your District Director of Lay Speaking Ministries.
