Certified Lay Ministry

One of the facets of being a Global Methodist that I have cherished since our denomination’s inception is that we take seriously our role in empowering the ministries of our laity. We have written this core value into our infrastructure through the creation of the Certified Lay Ministry (CLM) program. In short, CLM is theological education for laity. It is ideal for the local church’s lay leadership, church staff not seeking ordination, and laity who want to grow in their knowledge of what God does in the local church.

At the introductory level, CLM offers five core courses (of eight hours each) on church leadership taught by leaders in our Conference: Basic Bible; Global Methodist History, Doctrine, and Polity; Congregational Care and Ethics; Mission and Evangelism; and Spiritual Gifts. After completing these courses, a background check, and an interview with the CLM leadership team, the candidate attains certification. Recertification occurs every three years with the completion of upper-level courses.

Since launching in the fall of 2024, our Conference’s Certified Lay Ministry program has offered four courses, including a total of 32 students. Three of our students have completed all four courses and are already on the brink of becoming our Conference’s first Certified Lay Ministers. One of the best gifts God has given us through CLM has been the bond our students have made with one another. Though they come from different ministry contexts in Mississippi and West Tennessee, they have united over a call to serve Christ’s holy church as lay leaders.

How can you help? First, join us. If you are a lay person seeking go deeper in your service to the church, this is a wonderful way to do just that. Second, teach for us. We always have a need for instructors, and would love to have a deep roster of faithful, skilled teachers to lead our laity. Third, provide space for us. Although we offer some online instruction, most of our classes are in person, and we would love for your church to be the fertile training ground for our Conference’s leaders. Finally, pray. We cannot cultivate faithful ministry without falling on our knees before God, and our ministry covets your prayers as much as any in our Conference.

For questions, please contact me at drew.s.holland@gmail.com or call me at (205) 617-9228. I would love to help you or a member at your church on their journey of serving our Conference and Christ’s holy church through CLM.

Grace and peace,

Drew Holland

Director of CLM for Mississippi-West Tennessee Conference