Certified Lay Minister

You can see the full certification pathway, from Launching Lay Ministry to Certified Lay Minister, in this document.

Certified Lay Minister status is for laity who are continuing their journey in ministry and for those who feel called to preach and lead a congregation as a lay person.

A certified lay minister is a certified lay servant, certified lay missioner, (or equivalent as defined by his or her central conference), who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person. A certified lay minister is assigned by a district superintendent in accordance with Paragraph 419.2. (Paragraph 268.1, 2016 Book of Discipline).

For this certification, an individual must complete both the requirements listed under Launching Lay Ministry and Certified Pulpit Supply. In addition, the lay person will complete the following:

• Talk with your pastor about your call discernment
• Write your call story
• Share your written call story and interview with your local church’s PPR/Church Leadership Team for recommendation

After completing those steps, those seeking Certified Lay Minister status will take the classes listed in that column on the certification pathway document.

United Methodist Polity

Course info coming soon

Faith Sharing

Course info coming soon

Congregational Care

Course info coming soon

Strategic Ministry Planning

Course info coming soon