Certified Lay Speakers may serve in settings beyond their congregations; however; they continue to serve in and relate to their own local churches as well. They may interpret conference benevolence programs; promote mission programs of the conference; organize coordinated ministry in places like hospitals or healthcare centers; lead worship in churches other than their own; and develop projects to improve the quality of life in their communities. Certified lay speakers continue to serve in their local church but also serve in their district and conference.
How does a Certified Lay Speaker serve?
Places of service for the certified lay speakers are listed in the Discipline. Certified lay speakers may
•• offer help and support to the church's program emphases in a proactive manner;
•• work with committees and ministry leaders in the local church, district, and conference to provide leadership
for congregational and community life;
•• cultivate and provide leadership in caregiving ministries;
•• help in worship services and lead meetings for prayer; study, and discussion in the local church at the
request of the pastor; district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking; and conduct services of worship,
offer sermons and addresses, and lead meetings for study and training outside the local church of
membership when asked to do so by the pastor, district superintendent, or other program planner.
Certified lay speakers serve in a variety of ways in their congregations, communities, districts, and conferences. Certified lay speakers may take the initiative, or requests may come from civic groups, volunteer pro gram coordinators, caregiving agencies, pastors, district superintendents, and others who coordinate programs in the community and at all levels of the connectional church.
What is involved in the approval process?
Local church lay speakers may continue their training and may become certified lay speakers when they
•• have been recommended by the pastor and administrative council, administrative board (or equivalent), or
the charge conference;
•• have completed the basic course and one advanced training course; and
•• have appeared before the district committee on lay speaking (or equivalent body) to review the application
and to consider the responsibilities of a lay speaker.
What training must a Certified Lay Speaker attend?
Candidates must have completed the Lay Speaking Ministries: Basic Course and one approved advanced course (or alternative course of study approved by the conference committee).
How does a Certified Lay Speaker continue to be recognized by their church?
To continue to be eligible for re certification, a certified lay speaker must submit an annual report and reapplication, be recommended annually by the pastor and by the church council (or equivalent) or the charge conference, and complete at least one additional advanced course (or an approved substitute) every three years.
If a certified lay speaker does not complete an advanced course every three years (yet reports, reapplies annually, and is recommended by the pastor and local church), that person should be moved to the local church lay speaker category because only those requirements have been met.
What is expected of Certified Lay Speakers?
Supports and ministers to his/her local church
Can be utilized by other congregations
Looks for leadership opportunities in the local church and beyond
Must file a report with their Charge Conference every year
Must take at least one Advanced Course every three years to maintain certification