What IS a Lay Servant?

One question often asks is why lay servant ministries? Why should a person go to the trouble of training, certifying and re-certifying to something they can do as “just a regular church member?” 

The official definition of the Lay Servant Ministries is that it is

“... for laity who desire to use their witness, leadership, and service to inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This may include the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church.” [See Paragraph 266-269 of the Book of Discipline, 2016]

That is a good question. It is true that many of the tasks often listed as defining elements for Lay Servant Ministries (singing in the choir for example) read like a list of average and normal member activities there are two key differences: training and leadership.

The purpose of the Lay Servant Ministries is to provide training for individuals who desire to be more intentional and active in the work of the church. They desire the skills and experiences that train them to be effective, significant, and efficient in church work.

Second, they are willing to become leaders, role models, and spark plugs in the church to encourage others to be the ‘hands and feet of Christ’, to be ‘doers and not just hearers’ of the Word, and to actively engage in ‘making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.'

Lay servants trained and motivated seek out ways to actively engage in spiritual development, missional outreach, witness, and service. They also share the joy and excitement of being 'co-workers with Christ' in the work of the Gospel.

The encourage others to gain skills and engage with others with purpose and love.

That training will help develop skills so that as a Lay Servant you can
--Provide program leadership
--Lead meetings for prayer, training, study and discussion
--Conduct services of worship, including bringing  a message from the Bible
--Provide congregational and community leadership and foster caring ministries
--Teach the scriptures, doctrine, organization and ministry of the United Methodist Church with skill and knowledge.

Or, you might wish to concentrate on developing greater skill and knowledge by entering the Lay Speaker Track where the main focus is to develop individuals well able to fill pulpits when requested by the local church pastor, the District Superintendent, or the Committee on Lay Servant Ministries in accordance and compliance with Para. 341.1 of the UMC Book of Discipline.

For those, who find those two merely whet the appetite for ministry and purposed living, there is the Certified Lay Minister category. As a CLM a person serves as part of a ministry team operating under the supervision and support of a clergy person. As such they will/may conduct public worship, care for a congregation, develop new faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, serve as a Class Leader, Engage in specialized and approved ministries (i.e., such as Parish Nurse), and assist in program leadership.

Talk to your pastor about beginning this journey of meaning and mission. You will never regret it!