What is a Lay Speaker?... and How to Become One
A 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 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. (The Book of Discipline)
There are two categories of Lay Speaker, a Certified Lay Speaker and a Local Church Lay Speaker. In each instance, the basic training course (Local Church), as presented at these schools, is a requirement. Persons registering for the Lay Speakers Schools will receive complete information and be given the opportunity of choosing which category will fulfill their reasons for becoming a Lay Speaker. In addition to taking the basic course, it is also required that you have the recommendation of your pastor and Administrative Board/Council or Charge Conference.
As the Church enters the 21st 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 this course, but it is designed to assist all church leadership in carrying out their duties more effectively.
If you are in an area where there is no scheduled class, please contact your District Lay Leader. This information will help us in planning the next Lay Speakers School. Every effort will be made to accommodate everyone interested.
If you are in need of more information, please contact your District Director of Lay Speaking or the Conference Co-directors of Lay Speaking Ministries.