Lay Servant Ministries Training

Lay Servant Ministries and the Board of Laity are excited to offer three lay development courses on May 14, 2022, from 8:30 am - 5 pm.

There will be two options for participating in these classes. Participants can be present at the speaker location where the class is being taught, or they may participate in a watch room at a church in their district.  A class leader will be present in each watch room to help lead discussion.  Watch room participants will be able to watch the class live on-screen at the watch location and will have the opportunity to interact live with the speaker throughout the course.
 
Watch locations for each class will be offered in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport. 

Registration will be $15, which includes lunch and refreshments.  Registration information will be circulated as soon as the locations are finalized.
 
Below is a description of each course as well as a link to the participants’ book. 

Participants are responsible for acquiring course materials, completing the reading, and answering any questions in the materials prior to the course date.
 

Register Now

 

Introduction to Lay Ministry (Basic Course) 

Instructor:  Rev. Robert Johnson
 
This is a foundational course recommended for every person involved in any lay ministry or holding a leadership position.  Participants use scripture and engage in exercises designed to help them understand and employ their gifts, learn about servant leadership and developing future leaders, and discuss concepts of Christian conferencing and decision making and the importance of remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices.
 
Prior to attending, participants must purchase and complete “Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book.”  It is available in three formats -- Print, Kindle, or EPub here.
 

Called to Preach (Advanced Course) 

Instructor:  Rev. Dr. Van Stinson
 
This course is especially recommended for laypeople who are currently or who may have an interest in giving sermons during worship while the clergy is on vacation or for churches between clergy appointments.  It’s also a great opportunity for new pastors and bi-vocational pastors still developing skills and resources for weekly preaching.
 
Prior to attending, participants must purchase and complete “From Pew to Pulpit,” which is only available as a download and can be purchased here.
 

Transforming Evangelism (Advanced Course) 

 Instructors:  Rev. Dr. Gloria Fowler and Rev. Sam Hubbard
 
This course is recommended for all persons serving in lay leadership or any lay ministry.  Participants will use scripture and the teachings of John Wesley to better understand Evangelism and our role in living and sharing the promise of the Gospel in our communities and around the world.
 
Prior to attending, participants must purchase and complete “Transforming Evangelism” available in three formats -- Print, Kindle, or EPub here.