Lay Speakers

A lay speaker is called and equipped to serve the church in pulpit supply in accordance with ¶341.1 of the 2012 Book of Discipline.

To become a Lay Speaker, you must complete the following requirements:

1. Be a professing and active member of a local church/charge
2. Obtain recommendation from pastor and charge conference at time of application and every three years thereafter for re-certification
3. Complete the BASIC Course and ADVANCE Course for Lay Servant Ministries
4. Complete an additional course of study to include all of the following: Discovering Spiritual Gifts, Leading Worship, Leading Prayer, Preaching, United Methodist heritage and polity, and/or other courses as may be determined by the annual conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries or equivalent structure
5. Interview with the District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries or equivalent structure at time of application and every three years thereafter, and be recommended to the conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries or equivalent structure for certification/re-certification

Local Lay Servants, Certified Lay Servants and Lay Speakers need to file a report at charge conference each year.  The forms are available from your district director.