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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
Lay Speakers Create Disciple Making Faith Communities
The goal of this course is to provide church leaders with key tools and principles that can be used to create disciple-making faith communities. Lay speakers will learn about discipleship systems, the term faith community, and how the theory of displacement affects their congregations, as well as considering the realities of call and leadership, 21st-century structures for ministry, and new opportunities for ministry.
Dimensions of Prayer
The goal of this course is to hopefully provide answers to common questions and concerns about prayer. This course will offer an engaging introduction to prayer while providing valuable wisdom for mature Christians.
Basic Lay Speaking
Are you listening to God’s call? How do you respond to such a call and where do you go from there? This course is intended to help laity discover their unique call to serve God, their neighbor and the church.
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