Certified Lay Ministry

Certified Lay Ministry is a pathway for laity in the Mississippi-West Tennessee Conference of the Global Methodist Church to grow in faith, leadership, and service to the local church. Through training, mentorship, and practical ministry experience, Certified Lay Ministry helps equip lay leaders to assist pastors, strengthen congregations, and serve the mission of the church.

The Certified Lay Ministry program is outlined in the Global Methodist Church Book of Doctrines and Discipline (¶502).

WHAT IS CERTIFIED LAY MINISTRY?

Certified Lay Ministry provides training in the foundations of local church leadership, ministry, and discipleship. These courses are designed to strengthen the laity’s ability to lead in the local church, assist pastors and staff, and deepen their own walk with Christ.

Like the Levites of the Old Testament, Certified Lay Ministers are trained leaders who support the work of ministry among God’s people.

UPCOMING COURSES

There are no Certified Lay Ministry courses currently scheduled. New courses will be added here as they are announced. Check back for future opportunities.

WHO IS CERTIFIED LAY MINISTRY FOR?

Certified Lay Ministry is for professing members of a local Global Methodist Church who sense a call to greater leadership and service in the church. It is also open to anyone who simply wants to grow in biblical understanding, ministry skills, and local church leadership, even if they are not pursuing formal certification.

WHAT CAN A CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER DO?

Certified Lay Ministers may serve in a variety of ways within the life of the church, including:

  • Leading public worship

  • Caring for the congregation

  • Assisting in program leadership

  • Preaching the Word of God

  • Leading Bible studies and small groups

  • Establishing faith communities

  • Serving a local church under appointment from the bishop

Certified Lay Ministers may NOT preside over the sacraments of baptism or Holy Communion.

HOW DO I BECOME A CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER?

Those pursuing certification must:

  • Be a professing member of a local Global Methodist Church (or its predecessor) for at least two years

  • Complete the required lay ministry coursework

  • Complete at least one approved advanced ministry course

  • Pass a national background check

  • Receive written recommendation from their pastor

  • Be endorsed by the pastor-parish relations committee and charge conference

  • Be interviewed and approved by the annual conference Board of Ministry

REQUIRED COURSES

Certified Lay Ministers complete a minimum of 60 hours of coursework. Each course includes eight hours of in-class instruction and four hours of individual work.

Core courses include:

  • Global Methodist History, Polity, and Theology

  • Congregational Care and Ethics

  • Mission and Evangelism

  • Understanding the Call and Spiritual Gifts

  • Basic Bible Training

Courses are taught by experienced leaders from across the conference and typically meet on a Friday evening and Saturday morning schedule.

REQUIRED BOOKS FOR COURSES

Each course includes a required reading resource to support classroom learning and individual study:

  • Basic Bible Training
    How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

  • Congregational Care and Ethics
    Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
    Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton

  • Understanding the Call and Spiritual Gifts
    What’s So Spiritual About Your Gifts? by Henry and Mel Blackaby

  • Mission and Evangelism
    Transforming Evangelism by Henry Knight and Doug Powe

  • Global Methodist History, Polity, and Theology
    The 2024 Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church

COURSE COST

Each Certified Lay Ministry course costs $20.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR CERTIFIED LAY MINISTRY COURSES

Anyone is welcome to take a Certified Lay Ministry course, even if they are not seeking formal certification. These courses are a helpful resource for church leaders, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and laity who want to grow in their understanding of Scripture and ministry.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND RENEWAL

After completing the core courses, Certified Lay Ministers must complete one upper-level course every three years and maintain an active mentoring relationship with an elder, deacon, or licensed local pastor within the conference.

Renewal also includes:

  • Annual ministry reports

  • Charge conference endorsement

  • Written pastoral recommendation

  • Updated national background check every three years

CONTACT

Rev. Dr. Drew Holland serves as the Mississippi-West Tennessee Conference Director for Certified Lay Ministry.

Email: drew.s.holland@gmail.com

CERTIFIED LAY MINISTRY BOARD

Cristen Barnard
Don Bourland
Lara Brennan
Rev. Keith Brown
Tim Climer
Rev. Dr. Drew Holland
Iris Holloway
Rev. Chris Klingenfus
Debbie Moore
Rev. Lauren Porter