Lay Servant Ministries

Affirming the Ministry of All Believers

Each local church, district and annual conference in The United Methodist Church has a Lay Leader who works to coordinate the ministry of the Church in partnership with clergy leadership, and works to encourage, support and coordinate the ministry of other laypersons.  The United Methodist Church has a longstanding tradition of honoring and affirming the ministry of all persons.  While we ordain some persons to specialized ministries of word, sacrament, and order, the vast majority of church ministry is carried out by laypersons.  These persons commit their time, talent, gifts and service to ministries like teaching, administrative support, missions, and preaching. They are our Sunday School teachers, our church treasurers, our missions coordinators, and communion stewards.  They walk in Crop Walks, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, and serve in ministry with youth.

Who and What are Lay Servants?

The overall purpose of Lay Servant Ministries is to enlist, train, guide, and support lay servants as they equip and prepare others “for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12) But who and what are lay servants?

The Lay Servant Ministry (LSM) program goes back to the beginning of the Methodist movement. Lay Servants were the members of the societies, classes and bands and leaders of the same in the early movement. Lay Servants held together and led the early churches, in one form or another, be it exhorter or Lay Preacher, or Lay Speaker or a Lay Leader. The Lay Servant has served the Local Congregation, the Circuits, Districts and Annual Conferences throughout the entire history of the church. Lay servants were and are leaders within the United Methodist Church and have a role and responsibility in furthering the mission of the United Methodist Church.

The United Methodist Church has established three distinctly different categories for laypersons in the area of lay servant ministries to develop, prepare, and engage principled Christian leaders for the mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world:

  • Certified Lay Servant
  • Certified Lay Speaker
  • Certified Lay Minister

A Certified Lay Servant is committed to scripture, the doctrine, heritage, organization and life of the United Methodist Church. They have received training to witness to the Christian faith through spoken communication, to lead within the church and community, and to provide caring ministry. They provide program leadership, assist with the distribution of the elements for Holy Communion, teach the scriptures, organization and doctrine of the United Methodist Church, preach the Word, and assist the pastor with conducting services of worship in the church.

A Certified Lay Speaker is a certified Lay Servant whose call has been affirmed by the Michigan Conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries to serve the church in pulpit supply in accordance and compliance with the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. The Certified Lay Speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on Lay Servant Ministries. The role of a Certified Lay Speaker is a specific calling for the ministry of pulpit supply.

A Certified Lay Minister is a certified Lay Speaker who has completed the required course of study to become certified as a Lay Minister. Certified Lay Ministers are those who are called to long-term, intentional ministry as part of a ministry team, under the supervision and support of a clergy-person. Certified Lay Ministers conduct public worship, care for the congregation, serve as class leaders, preach the Word, assist in program leadership, develop new faith communities, and establish outreach ministries. Certified Lay Ministers do not replace clergy.

Our laity are the heart of the church, and the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Lay Servant Ministry classes can help all laypersons grow their faith and develop their leadership skills. Check us out on the Central Bay District website, and let the Holy Spirit guide you to use your spiritual gifts in service to our Lord.

If you have any questions about becoming a Lay Servant, Lay Speaker, or Certified Lay Minister, reach out to Janice Buckley at [email protected].

Central Bay District Lay Servant Classes
Fall 2025

Classes meet 9:00 am-3:00 pm each day.  Participants must complete both days in order to receive course credit.

The Central Bay District does not charge registration fees for Lay Servant classes, although participants are responsible for obtaining a copy of the corresponding textbook.

To register for classes, complete your request for training form and bring to first class date OR email to Janice Buckley at [email protected] (deadlines are dependent on location – see linked posters above).  Contact Janice with any additional questions.

 

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Central Bay District