A Youth in Lay Speaking Ministry Is:

  • An active, supportive member of a United Methodist church;

  • Eager to serve through the church;

  • Well-informed on the Scriptures, and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church;

  • Committed to witnessing her/his faith through church and community leadership, caregiving ministries, and spoken communication;

  • Willing to improve his/her skills for service.

Local Church Lay Speakers . . .
Serve in and through their local congregation. To be recognized as a Local Church Lay Speaker, you must:

  • Be recommended by your pastor and your Administrative Council or Administrative Board;
  • Complete the basic course for lay speaking ministry and continue in education withyour pastor;
  • Annually reapply, reporting how you have served and continued to learn.
BACK TO TOP

Certified Lay Speakers

May serve in other congregations and in district and conference projects and programs. To be recognized as a Certified Lay Speaker, you must:

  • Have the same recommendations as a Local Church Lay Speaker;
  • Complete the basic course for lay speaking ministry;
  • Complete one advanced course;
  • Report annually on how you have served and continued to learn; and
  • Complete at least one advanced course every three years.
BACK TO TOP

A Youth in Lay Speaking Ministry Witnesses to the Christian Faith by:

Leading

  • Serving as an officer in your UMYF;

  • Serving as liturgist for worship;

  • Helping to start a new church school class;

  • Guiding Bible study;

  • Lending support for special emphases in your congregation;

  • Using your role in school and community groups as a way to witness and serve;

  • Serving on committees in your local church.

Caring

  • Welcoming newcomers;

  • Organizing and working in outreach ministries;

  • Reaching out with love in times of personal crisis;

  • Providing services for persons with physical or mental challenges before them.

Communicating

  • Sharing the gospel one-on-one;

  • Interpreting conference and general church programs;

  • Leading devotions for groups in the congregation and in the community;

  • Pulpit supply;

  • Teaching church school.
BACK TO TOP

You are ready to become a Lay Speaker if:

  • You are ready to share your faith;

  • You are willing to go wherever and when ever God calls you;

  • You will commit your time and energy to the service of your neighbor;

  • You desire to share God’s love.

 

BACK TO TOP

To find out more about the lay speaking ministry training, service, and support network in your area, contact your

  • Local Church Lay Leader
  • Pastor
  • District Superintendent
  • District Director of Lay Speaking
  • District Lay Leader, or
  • Another Lay Speaker

If the persons you ask don't have answers to your questions, they will know where to find them.

 

BACK TO TOP

For multiple copies of the print version of this brochure, contact:
Lay Speaking Ministry Office
General Board of Discipleship
P. O. Box 340003
Nashville, TN 37203-0003
Phone: 615-340-7059
Toll-free: 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7059
Email: lwalker@gbod.org

Download this brochure in pdf format by clicking here.
BACK TO TOP
BACK