Lay Speaking Ministry is More Than Preaching

Lay Speaking is not just filling pulpits. Lay Speaking Ministries as defined in the Book of Discipline offers wonderful possibilities for expanding the work of lay speakers. The classes described below suggest many areas of ministry as well as offering ideas for expanding the role beyond what we have traditionally understood.

The whole issue of how Lay Speaking Ministers can assist our congregations and communities is limited only by your imagination and willingness to serve as a representative of Jesus Christ.

The 1996 Book of Discipline states:

Paragraph 270.2 "Lay speakers are to serve the local church or charge (or beyond the local church or charge) in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of the scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church."

Paragraph 270.3 "Through continued study and training a lay speaker should prepare to undertake one or more of the following functions, giving primary attention to service within the local church or charge:

To take initiative in giving leadership, assistance, and support to the program emphases of the church.
To lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking.
To conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship, and present sermons and addresses when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking.
To relate to appropriate committees and ministry areas in providing leadership for congregational and community life and fostering care-giving ministries."

LAY SPEAKING MINISTERS (LSM) are: - Called by God to a ministry of caring, communicating (listening and speaking), and leading in their church; - Active supportive members of a United Methodist Church, well informed on the Scripture, the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the UMC; and - Committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care-giving ministries, listening & spoken communications, and willing to improve his or her skills for service.

LOCAL CHURCH LAY SPEAKERS (LCLS) Serve in and through their local congregations. To become a Local Church Lay Speaker, you must: - Be recommended by your pastor and Church Council or Charge Conference. - Complete the Basic Course for Lay Speaking; and - Annually reapply on the "Lay Speaker's Annual Report", reporting how you have served and continued to learn.

CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKERS (CLS) Serve in their own church, in other churches and through district and conference projects and programs. To be recognized as a Certified Lay Speaker, you must

Have the same recommendations as a LCLS;
Complete the Basic Course;
Complete one Advanced Lay Speaking course;
Be interviewed and approved by your District or Conference Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries.
Reapply and report annually on the "Lay Speaker's Annual Report" on how you served and continue to learn; and
Complete at least one advanced course every 3 years.

You are ready to become a lay speaker if

You are willing to share your faith with those around you;
You are willing to go wherever and whenever God calls; and
You will commit your time & energy to the service of your congregation, community, neighbor, coworker or relative.