Registration is now open for the Spring 2019 West District Lay Servant Academy. The training event will be 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at Mt. Pleasant UMC in Terre Haute. The fee for this event is $15 per person, which covers the cost of lunch and building use. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own study materials (listed here). Read the course offerings below, and register before March 17th
Introduction to Lay Ministry: The Basic Course
Instructor: Jon Overbey
This course is foundational for all courses in lay servant ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.
You Can Preach!
Instructor: Richard Pressel
This course is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course, and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence.
Heritage: Basic Beliefs / United Methodist Doctrinal Standards
Instructor: Arthur Collins
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the participant with the outlook and doctrines that Methodism inherited from the English Church Tradition, and also the distinctive contributions of Methodism to Christian practice and dogma.
Leading Worship
Instructor: Jim Roach
This course focuses on the ministry of the Lay Servant who either regularly or occasionally leads a group or congregation in worship.
Lay Pastoral Care Giving
Instructor: Ann Thomas
This course offers insights into the life span and the dynamics of contemporary life to help church leaders reach out with God’s love and care to others.
Leading in Prayer
Instructor: Lisa Trigg
This course seeks to relieve the anxiety of inexperienced leaders of public prayer and the discomfort of those with and for whom they pray in this practical guide to the art of praying in public.
What is a Lay Servant?
A Lay Servant is an active, supportive member of a United Methodist congregation who is eager to be in ministry through the church. He/she is well-informed on scripture, doctrine, heritage, organization and life of the United Methodist Church and is committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care giving ministries and spoken communication. A Lay Servant is willing to initiate ministry in partnership with clergy and other Lay Servants and willing to improve his/her skills for service.
How do Lay Servants serve?
This ministry goes beyond filling in for the pastor or speaking in public. Lay Servant Ministries offer many options for serving in roles other than the traditional pulpit supply. Teaching, serving, training, leading, participating, caring, loving and communicating are now integral parts of Lay Servant Ministries. With so many avenues of training, Lay Servant Ministries offers valuable education equipping United Methodists for all facets of lay ministry.
Consider taking a class.
From time to time classes are offered in various subject areas throughout the conference. Starting with the basic class, one can then go on to advanced classes and go on to broader service as a Certified Lay Servant. God calls us and through continued development equips us to be Lay Servants.
Just want to learn?
You are always welcome to participate in a class just for the sake of learning. Our classes are open to everyone.