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Lay Speakers

Lay speaking ministry is an avenue for local church members to expand their involvement within the church.

Lay speakers are well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization and life of The United Methodist Church.

They receive training to develop skills in witnessing about the Christian faith through oral communications, church and community leadership and care-giving ministries. They must be active in the support of the local churchand workunder a clergyperson's leadership.

Lay speaking courses
Lay speaking courses are traditionally scheduled in the spring and fall. For information about Lay Speaking in your district, check the conference calendar and select Lay Speaking, check the district calendar or contact your district office.

Basic Lay Speaking Course expectations:

  • Participants must attend the entire session to get credit
  • Work may be assigned before the session
  • The sessions will be a minimum of 10 hours
  • Resources will be provided
  • The sessions will focus on  the Call, Preaching, Witnessing, Teaching, Leading and Service
  • Scriptures will be assigned from the lectionary
  • Explore the variety of kinds of service one might consider with an emphasis on discovering one’s spiritual gifts

Advanced Lay Speaking Course expectations:

  • Rotation of subjects to include  Theology, Spiritual Formation, Historical United Methodist Church, Leadership in the Church, Worship/Preaching, Creating Community, Daily Discipline, Prayer, Evangelism, Interpreting Church Heritage, Leading Small Groups, Mission Outreach, Servant Leadership, Stewardship, Storytelling, Teaching the Bible and Caring Ministry
  • Disciple Bible Study, Walk to Emmaus and Stephen Ministry will not be a substitute for the Advanced Course
  • An Advanced Course must be taken once every three years or the person will have to start over with the Basic Course and then move to the Advanced Course
  • An expiration date will be placed on the certificate so that people will know when they must return to an Advanced Course

Contact a district office for more information.