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Lay Speaking Ministries

Equipping United Methodists for all facets of lay ministry
 
"To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:12

Leading, Caring, Communicating: Lay Speaking Ministries offer opportunities for laity who desire to use their witness, leadership, and service to inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This may include the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church. [See Paragraph 267-270 of the Book of Discipline, 2004]

In past years, the primary task of lay speakers was pulpit supply, however now lay speaking encompasses much more. To participate in lay speaking ministries, a person need not commit to preaching. Lay speaker training areas include evangelism, stewardship, devotional life, missions, caring ministries, Christian education, Christian leadership, administration, United Methodist heritage, as well as preaching and worship planning.

Lay Speaking Contacts
If you have questions about lay speaking, contact your pastor or your District Director of lay speaking.

Lay Speaker Training: Lay Speakers Preach—Online Face to Face
The Pony Express District will be conducting training this winter. The deadline for registration is Jan 16th.  Click for a Registration Form, or contact Bob@Harryman.net for information.

Lay Speaker Training: School of Lay Ministry 2010
Mark your calendars, July 23-25, 2010.  School of Lay Ministry features Tom Albin, Dean of the Upper Room and Wesleyan scholar teaching “Lay Speakers Lead Faith Development in the Wesleyan Tradition.”  An alternate title would be “Transforming Congregations through Spiritual Development in the Wesleyan Tradition.”  Tom is an incredible resource for the Church.  You won’t want to miss this event.
 
Leading Worship 101 online at BeADisciple.com.  Begins 2/1/2010
The GBOD has approved this online class to fulfill the requirements of an advance lay speaking course.  Leader is noted author and denominational resource Dan Benedict.  See details at BeADisciple.com.  Space limited.

Conference Calendar
Check the Conference Calendar for lay ministry events. On the "All Areas" drop down menu choose "Lay Ministries" and then click the Refresh button.
 
Lay Speaker's Annual Report
Click the link to view the Lay Speaker's Annual Report form for the report of the lay speaker to charge conference.
 
Certified Lay Ministry Training
Please visit the Center for Pastoral Excellence to learn about upcoming events. You can also download the brochure and register for each class online. You can also e-mail Liz DeWitt for more information about lay speaking classes.
 

Lay Ministries Resources

Lay Speaking Ministries/Five Practices Brochure
The Brochure lists the lay speaking ministries courses categorized by the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations to aid pastors and lay speakers to select training that may enhance the skills of their congregations.
 
Missouri School of Lay Ministry Ning Web Site
The mosolm.ning.com website provides follow up dialogue to the 2009 School of Lay Ministry, “Lay Speakers Lead Congregations to a Heart for the Unchurched,” and other areas of Missouri lay speaking ministries interest.
 
Lay Speaking Ministries website
This Lay Speaking Ministries website is maintained by the Association of Conference Directors of Lay Speaking Ministries.
About Lay Speaking Ministries
Browse detailed Lay Speaking Ministries information and get answers to frequently asked questions.

General Board of Discipleship
The General Board of Discipleship website has information about the Ministry of the Laity on the GBOD website as well as resources, links and brochures.

Follow Lay Speaking Ministries on Facebook
United Methodist Lay Speaking Ministries is on Facebook with 270 members from around the country.  Discussions need you!  Check it out.  Add your experience to the mix.  As Wesley said, “There is no holiness but social holiness.” (But I’m not sure he had social networks in mind.)  With 300 million people on Facebook, United Methodists cannot not be there!