Launching Lay Ministry

All laity are encouraged to start their journey with a set of classes under the column titled Launching Lay Ministry. These courses are designed as a starting point, and you can jump into any of them to get started.

Ministry of All Believers

Description: Formerly the Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course, this class offers an orientation to the United Methodist Church and lay ministry in the local church.
Format: In person, online or on-demand via the online Absorb learning platform
Availability: Available on-demand on Absorb

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Description: Emotional health and spiritual health are inseparable. Many of us get stuck spiritually because we haven't done the hard work of becoming emotionally healthy. This course is based on Peter Scazzero's bestselling book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
Format: Online via Zoom with a facilitator
Availability: Offered three times per year. Visit the class listing page to see upcoming dates.

Discipleship Coaching

Description: Discipleship coaching offers a model for creating a transformational, multiplying discipleship culture within a ministry context. Through this coaching model you can develop a focused vision for where you’re going and a creative plan for getting there.
Format: On-demand via the online Absorb learning platform
Availability: Available on-demand on Absorb

Spiritual Gifts

Description: All participants in the Body of Christ depend on the spiritual gifts God has given them. These gifts provide the foundation for whatever ministry we do. Learn more about spiritual gifts, your specific spiritual gifts and how to discern them. After viewing the course, participants will complete a spiritual gifts inventory and review it with a spiritual gifts coach.
Format: In person or on-demand via the online Absorb learning platform
Availability: Available on-demand on Absorb

Our hope is that after you complete the Launching Lay Ministry classes, you will have a better discernment for what your gifts are and the best place to use them, whether in your own church, your district, your community, the Conference or beyond.

If you feel called to preach outside of your home church, either occasionally or on a regular basis, the courses listed under the Certified Pulpit Supply are required.

Whether or not you decide to pursue certification, we encourage you to take the next phase of classes, Digging Deeper, to further your understanding of United Methodism and develop your gifts and talents for ministry.