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An active, supportive member of a United Methodist church
Eager to serve through the church
Well informed on Scripture, and on the doctrine, heritage, and organization of the United Methodist Church
Committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care-giving ministries, and spoken communication.
Willing to improve his/her skills through training. |
1) Local Church Lay Servants
Local Church Lay Servants serve in and through their local churches. They must be recommended by their Pastor, and complete the Basic Lay Servant Ministries Course. Each year, they must reapply, reporting on how they have served and on any additional courses they have taken during the year.
2) Certified Lay Servants
Certified Lay Servants serve in both their own churches and other churches, and through district or conference projects and programs. They can expand their outreach and enrich their ministry through various Advanced Lay Servant Courses.
To be recognized as Certified Lay Servant, they must be recommended by their pastor, have completed the Basic Course and one Advanced Course. They must report and reapply annually reporting on how they have served, and must complete at least one Advanced Course every three years.
For further information, contact Gwen Dube`, Conference Director, at 904-751-4912 or ggdube@comcast.net
Lay Servant training prepares lay people to be in ministry through caring, communication and leadership. The key emphasis of the Lay Servant training is to equip people to teach, do visitation, lead committees and leadership teams, lead small group ministry and grow in personal understanding of God’s call on their life.
We gladly offer these Lay Servant Ministry Leadership courses to all laity for your use in your own ministry setting.
[Click here] for brochure and registration form.
Participants will select one course from the following four opportunities offered:
“Lay Speakers Grow Spiritually through Daily Discipline”
This advanced course will enable lay servant ministers to understand the importance of a personal daily devotional life in order to carry out their ministry. Participants are guided in discerning God's direction for their lives, practicing daily disciplines, and reaching out in love. Required text: "Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition" by Steve Harper. Facilitators Rev. Jeanine Spangenberg, Pastor Flagler Beach UMC.
“Lay Servants Lead in PeaceMaking”
Got Conflict? Conflict is inevitable. No relationship is immune. Mike Mailman & Lennie Burke will lead, Biblical Peacemaking-Resolving Everyday Conflict. Together, we will identify and unpack powerful and practical answers for the conflicts that surface in all of our daily relationships (church, family, work & marital) and discover how, when managed biblically, conflict can serve as a catalyst for change and be an opportunity for spiritual and relational growth. Facilitators Mike Mailman and Lennie Burke, Community Casselberry UMC, PeaceMaking Team.
“Lay Servants Lead in Worship”
Using the Bible, UM Hymnal, and UM Book of Worship, learn how to bring the worship experience alive. See how these basic resources will guide you to making the worship a time of joy, reflection, participation, and excellence. Find out how you are a vital part of this process. Facilitator Rev.Kathryn Ling.
Basic Lay Servant Course
Focuses on the many ways lay servants are called to be in ministry through such things as leading, teaching, serving, proclaiming the gospel, disciple-making, storytelling, and growing through personal spiritual formation. Find out what it means to be “called” by God and how you can use your calling to work for Him. Learn how you can “Care for, Share with and Lead others” to Christ. Facilitator Lynn Campbell, EC District Director of Lay Servant Ministry.
For more information contact:
Lynn Campbell, EC Lay Servant Director hat9937@bellsouth.net or 407-719-1630.
REGISTRATION COST: $45.00 Includes Course Materials and Meals
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 3/1/2012
After much discussion, input and thought over recent years, the Florida Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries, Gwen Dube' announces a name change for the ministry. The new name, Lay Servant Ministries, became effective January 1, 2010. Many are very familiar with the previous term of Lay Speaking Ministries and recognize the problems it has caused and continues to cause. Many people are put off, and even frightened by the term lay speaker. Many fail to appreciate the great variety of ministry training opportunities available to Laity through these weekend events. New courses are being developed all the time, and revamping of many old ones is currently underway. Lay Servant Ministries captures the essence of the roles and activities that many laity so selflessly provide for their congregations, districts and conference. We are all servants of Jesus Christ, and your District and Conference Lay Leadership believe that being known as Lay Servants will intrigue and attract many more people to the training and educational opportunities provided.
"Some have expressed concern that we will not be recognized by other conferences or at jurisdictional levels if we change the name. I have discussed this with many people and have been assured this will not be a problem. Some conferences have already changed their names. Additionally, our laity contact with the General Board of Discipleship, Sandy Jackson, has no objections. To change the name within the conference has been supported and encouraged by Bishop Whitaker and by our Board of Lay Ministries."
Gwen Dubé
Florida Conference Director
Lay Servant Ministries |
