Ministry Options
Certified Lay Ministers (CLM)
A Certified Lay Minister is a qualified United Methodist layperson called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergy person. This person enters the certification process, which includes training, support, supervision and accountability while serving in a local church assigned by the District Superintendent.
CLMs may preach the word, and guide the program ministry and mission of a congregation. However, CLMs may provide leadership in many other contexts and have responsibility for other expressions of mission and ministry both within the congregation and in the community, district, or annual conference.
While CLMs can provide the essential guidance and pastoral leadership and services necessary for effective mission and ministry in churches, they are not intended to replace clergy, but rather to work beside them and with them as part of a team ministry. (www.gbod.org)
- CLM Process Checklist - a brief summary of the above process, which can be used to help track progress.
Certified Lay Minister Course Materials
Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Lay Ministry
The Kroll national criminal background check authorization form is completed here. The cost is $55. The password needed to complete the authorization process is ck1003.
Psychological Assessments: All persons seeking to become Certified Lay Ministers in the New England Conference will participate in a professional psychological assessment evaluation, which will include testing and clinical interviews. A written report of this assessment will be submitted to the District Committee. The total cost of the psychological assessment is $570. Local church and District funds may be requested to help offset the cost. (Should the cost present a financial hardship, a CLM candidate may apply to the Board for the consideration of scholarship assistance. Written requests can be mailed to Susan Evans, PO Box 709, Londonderry, NH 03053, SsEvns@aol.com.) Complete instructions for CLM candidates to obtain a psychological assessment can be found here.
Professional Certification
- Professional Certification in Specialized Ministries - in the areas of Camp/Retreat, Christian Educations, Evangelism, Music Ministry, Spiritual Formation, Older Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry
Local Pastors
- Beginning Candidacy - Ministry Options
- General information on the ministry of Local Pastors
- Course of Study and locations of schools
Ordained Ministry
- Order of Deacon
- Order of Elder
- Seminaries approved by University Senate
- Accredited CPE Centers in the Northeast
-Conference Relations (including deadlines for requesting retirement, leaves, etc.)
-Local Pastors (Course of Study and Licensing School)
-Pastoral Nurture (maternity/paternity leave, release time)
-Explore Your Call
-Steps to Ordained Ministry
-Navigating the Online Candidacy Process
-Related forms and guidelines
-Education Options: Provisional/Full Membership
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