A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a qualified United Methodist lay person called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under supervision of a clergy person, but who often serves the church in many different ways.

The Certified Lay Minister Classes are a learning experience in preparation for those who are seeking to become a Certified Lay Minister. Successful completion of the Certified Lay Minister classes is one step among many on the journey towards becoming a Certified Lay Minister.

A certified lay minister is a not a clergy person. A certified lay minister is a certified lay servant, who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person. A certified lay minister is assigned by a district superintendent in accordance with ¶419.2. (2016 Book of Discipline, ¶268.1)

Over this course, students will engage in facilitated learning on topics such as worship, preaching, small groups, mission, evangelism, stewardship, theology, congregational care, administration and more. A student’s preparation, attendance, classroom participation, performance and assignments are all vital in the process.

The program requires both in-person and online attendance. Attendance at all sessions is necessary to complete the program.

Tuesday, 1/27                 Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

Tuesday, 2/3                    Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, 2/7                  In Person Meeting          9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, 2/24                 Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, 2/28                In Person Meeting          9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, 3/10                 Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, 3/14                In Person Meeting          9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, 3/24                 Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

Tuesday, 4/14                 Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

Saturday, 4/18               In Person Meeting          9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Tuesday, 4/21                 Online Meeting               7 pm – 9 pm

In Person Meetings will be held at the GNJ Mission and Resource Center 205 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, NJ 07753.

Online Meetings will be held over Zoom.  Zoom links will be provided via email in January 2026.

1. Online Registration due by January 15, 2026 – $250 Registration Fee
2. Commitment to attend ALL Sessions
3. Membership in a United Methodist Church of the Greater NJ Conference
4. Active Certified Lay Servant – completed a certified lay servant class within the last three years and active in one’s congregation
5. Approval from one’s Pastor and Church Council
6. Online recommendation form completed by one’s pastor by January 20th. Students are responsible for contacting one’s pastor to complete the online recommendation form. Click here for form.

The Certified Lay Minister Course 2026 Homework Page will be posted in January 2026.
Deadline to register is January 15, 2026

Will be posted in January 2026.