Certification

What is the Certification Process?

There are certain requirements that must be accomplished for a layperson to become certified. Being completely certified is not, however, a prerequisite for serving as part of a ministry team or being assigned to lead a congregation. In fact, being active in ministry is one way to demonstrate the gifts and graces you have for this ministry!

To become certified a person must:

• Review the available literature and begin discernment with trusted spiritual friends to test your call.
  
• Talk with your pastor about this call to ministry. If your pastor is in agreement with your desire to explore certification as a CLM, he/she will write a letter of recommendation to the administrative council (or main church leadership group), highlighting your service and abilities as examples of the fruits of ministry.
  
• You will meet the administrative council, with your pastor present, to discuss CLM and your ministry call. The administrative group will make a decision whether or not to support your call and will send a letter to the district superintendent with its decision.

2. Be in active service in the church and demonstrate an understanding of United Methodist history and doctrine. It is recommended that you be a certified Lay Speaker or the equivalent.

• Meet with your district superintendent to discuss certification and ministry opportunities in the district. Have copies of your local church recommendations, and your Lay Speaker Certification available. (Equivalent certification might include attending Licensing School, seminary coursework, Conference Lay Institute or Leadership Academy, etc).
  
• The district superintendent notifies the District Committee on Ministry (DCOM) of the individual's entry as a potential CLM when all previous training and recommendations are in order.
  
• The district superintendent (or designated person) may initiate a screening process, which may include a background check and/or a credit report. The Book of Discipline does not require background checks or psychological testing. If the annual conference or district requires a screening process, you will need to sign a release form.
  
• The district superintendent meets with the congregation under consideration for the CLM assignment to introduce them to Certified Lay Ministry and the mutual ministry team, and to ensure their readiness for this new form of ministry. He/She will conduct a congregational workshop, form the mutual ministry team, and make plans for the development of the ministry covenant.
  
• The CLM is placed as a pastoral leader in the local church as part of a mutual ministry team and is assigned a CLM mentor.

• Meet with your CLM mentor to set up a regular meeting for ministry guidance.
  
• Learn the available methods of completing your coursework (local church small group, conference lay academy or institute, seminary lay program, or district peer group), and choose which method is available and you are most likely to be able to complete. Consult with your mutual ministry team as you make your decision, since the team will be involved in the learning process for you to complete the work.
  
• Obtain the coursework from the Upper Room Bookstore (see Certified Lay Minister Course Materials), schedule a timeline for completing your courses, and begin. Remember: your mutual ministry team must be formed and active to complete activities in the assigned setting.
  
• Register for academy or CLM peer group if required.

• Meet with the district superintendent to discuss background testing results, assess certification experience to date, congregation leadership experience, and additional support necessary to be successfully certified and effective in leadership. Complete any follow-up as agreed.
  
• The district superintendent either recommends certification and continuing assignment or removes the CLM from the process at this point.

• Schedule an interview with DCOM upon completion of your coursework by writing a formal letter. Include a copy of your CLM Process Checklist with completed requirements check for easy review by the DCOM before the meeting.
  
• The interview with DCOM occurs with the entire committee or designates, at a time and place convenient for the CLM and his/her sponsors. This interview is a supportive, encouraging experience, not a theological inquisition! The interview is meant to serve as a guide toward continuing growth and development as a lay pastoral leader. The CLM may also raise any questions related to process and recertification expectations.
  
• Recertification takes place every 2 years by completing an approved ministry course and meeting again with the DCOM for recognition.