Growing in your faith

Lay Servant Ministries is one of the significant lay leadership development programs available within the United Methodist connection. Through this system of equipping and empowering, lay servants have the opportunity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples. Lay Servant ministries can be a significant component of any discipleship system providing training in Hospitality, Offer Christ, Purpose and Engagement.

Becoming a Lay Servant

Classes can be taken in a variety of locations and dates. The Michigan Lay Servant Ministry committee organizes classes to fit needs of participants, specific requests for a topic, and to meet certification requirements. Some classes can be taken online (beadisciple.com/lay-servant-ministries). BASIC and PREACHING are not offered electronically. (Please check with your district committee as some do not accept online classes, or limit the number of online classes.) When an individual takes an online class it is the responsibility of the individual to provide completion/certification information to the district committee.

Lay servant classes generally fall into the following categories: Introduction to Lay Ministry, Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage, United Methodist Polity, Leading Worship, Leading Prayer, Preaching.

Everyone must take a BASIC course before becoming a Certified Lay Servant. Districts post class offerings online with registration information available. Participants may take classes in any location but are responsible to provide their local district with proof of completion.