All Local and Certified Lay Servants/Speakers must be approved at their church’s annual charge conference.  They also must complete a Lay Speaker Annual Report for inclusion with the annual charge conference paperwork. Look here for a detailed explanation on the requirements to become a  Certified Lay Servant,  Lay Speaker, or Certified Lay Minister.

Are you ready to answer God’s calling for you as a lay servant leader? Look in the West Ohio Conference’s recent EQUIP resource catalog for upcoming courses!  You can take courses offered in any District.  You may also take courses online here.   

The next Lay Servant Ministry coursese will be offered virtually this spring.  We are offering an Introduction to Lay Servant Ministry (Basic) course in spring, 2021.  Check the EQUIP resource catalog for offerings. 

The 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted resolutions that changed the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. Lay Servant Ministry is our United Methodist system for lay leadership development and includes lay speaking as one of the certifications. The basic and advanced courses are designed to help develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. Specific coursework is required to become a lay speaker, if desired.