Lay Speaking Ministries
...in the New England Conference |
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Conference Director of Lay Speaking:
Rebecca Hewett
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What is Lay Speaking?
God is calling each of us to be witnesses who proclaim the presence and power of God through all that we are and all that we do. Listen. Is God calling you to a new way of service and asking you to be a local church or certified lay speaker? Lay speakers are called to proclaim the gospel in many different ways, in leadership and supportive roles, to help others grow in a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.
A lay speaker is
- an active, supportive (professing) member of a United Methodist church;
- eager to serve the church, community, and world;
- well-informed on scripture and on the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church;
- committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, caregiving ministries, and spoken communication;
- willing to improve his/her skills by training for service.
Lay Speaking Ministry is more than just speaking!
This ministry goes beyond filling in for the pastor or speaking in public. Lay Speaking Ministries, as defined in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, offer wonderful possibilities for serving in roles beyond what we have traditionally understood. Teaching, serving, training, leading, participating, caring, loving, and communicating are now integral parts of Lay Speaking Ministries. How lay speaking servants can help congregations and communities is limited only by your imagination and willingness to serve as a representative of Jesus Christ.
Two Types of Lay Speakers
1. Local Church Lay Speakers serve in and through their local churches. To be recognized as a local church lay speaker, one must be recommended by his/her pastor and church council or charge conference and complete the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course. Each participant must reapply annually, reporting on service rendered and learning achieved during the year. Every three years the lay speaker must complete a refresher course or continuing education course relating to his/her ministry
2. Certified Lay Speakers serve in their own churches, in other churches, and through district or conference projects and programs. This offers them the opportunity to expand their outreach and to enrich their ministry through the various advanced courses.
To be recognized as a certified lay speaker, one must be recommended by his/her pastor and church council or charge conference and complete the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course as well as one Lay Speaking Advanced Course. Each lay speaker must report and be renewed annually, and he/she must complete at least one Advanced Course every three years.
Lay Speaking Courses
Click here for the catalog with the latest resources designed to equip laity for their roles in ministry as disciples. The Basic Course is the beginning course for Lay Speaking Ministries and for leadership development. All lay speakers must complete the Basic Course. This course can also be used for other laity in the church to acquaint them with their gifts, calling, and responsibilities as followers of Christ. There are a variety of Advanced courses to support layspeaking certification.
Current New England Conference Lay Speaking Courses
Connecticut - Western Massachusetts