Lay Servant Ministries is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs already available within the United Methodist Connection. Through this system of equipping and empowering, lay servants have the opportunity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, who then go and make other disciples.
The North East District offers Lay Servant Training twice a year; once in the spring and again each fall. For more information about Lay Servant Ministry, please visit the UMC Discipleship Ministries website.
The Lay Servant Director is Ron Coleman. Ron is a member of Calvary UMC in Orange Park.
2022 Virtual Lay Servant Training
These classes will be offered via Zoom on the following dates from 7-9 p.m.:
Jan. 4, 2022/Jan. 25, 2022/Feb. 1, 2022/Feb. 8, 2022/Feb. 15, 2022
We are hoping to be able to imitate our in-person training sessions by having an opening on January 4th and a closing on February 15 as we have done in the past (pre-Covid.) We will all meet together on the same Zoom and each week, you will be placed in breakout rooms with your instructor.
Basic Lay Servant Class with Rev. Larry Dunn of Garden City UMC - This basic course includes a study of what it means to be God’s called people and how we may be at work for God in our own communities. The course provides learning opportunities in three areas of service for lay speakers: leading, caring and communicating. Required Book: "Lay Servant Ministries" by Sandy Zeigler Jackson/Brian Jackson - ISBN # 978-0-88177-626-3**
Advanced Class - Accountable Discipleship with Rev. David Preston of Wesconnett UMC - This course focuses on the concept of the household of God, the importance of scripture as divine revelation, Wesleyan understandings of grace, and the importance of the office of class leader in the development of the Methodist movement. You are encouraged to look at your own faith community and see how it is (or is not) a reflection of genuine Christian community. Required Book: "Accountable Discipleship" by Steven W. Manskar - ISBN # 978-0-88177-339-2**
Embracing Personal Prayer with Rev. Brian Sanderson of Middleburg UMC (Advanced Lay Servant) At the end of this course, you will be able to establish a daily practice for communicating with God and listening for God’s answers. You will find ways to come to the Lord in prayer (singing, fasting, praying the Scriptures, praying for others, and using intercessory prayer.) You will explore the many names of Jesus and God you can use for adoration in your prayer. You will identify your need to overcome the barriers you may now be experiencing in your prayer life. Finally, you will be provided useful tools for structuring your prayer life and focusing on the Lord. Required book – Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Margie Burger – ISBN #978-0-88177-570-9**
Leading Bible Study with Rev. Jeanine Clontz of Flagler Beach UMC (Advanced Lay Servant) - This course opens a new world for many lay servants who have not had professional training in biblical interpretation. Required book – Biblical Interpretation: A Roadmap by Sharon Ringe and Frederick Tiffany – ISBN #9780687016082**
Rediscovering Your Spiritual Gifts with Bill & Katherine Howell of Highlands UMC (Advanced Lay Servant) The early church knew what today's church is rediscovering: that Christians depend on God's spiritual gifts to provide the foundation for their ministry. Learn more about how your spiritual gifts support your Lay Servant Ministries in this online 10-hour course. Required books – Each One a Minister by William Carter. – ISBN #978-0-88177-375-0 and Spirit Gifts Participant's Workbook by Patricia D. Brown - ISBN #978-0-687-00858-2** (Please note that this class is required for those who want to take the CLM Training in 2022.)
Cost to attend is $10.00. You must also purchase the books ahead of time. You must attend all 10 hours of training to receive certification.
