Definitions

A CERTIFIED LAY SERVANT IS...

• An active supportive member of a United Methodist Church;  
• Eager to serve through the church;
• Well informed on scripture, and on the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the United Methodist Church;
• Committed to witnessing through church and community leadership, care giving ministries, and spoken communication;
   Willing to improve his/her skills for service.

Local Church Lay Servants serve in and through their local Churches. To be recognized as Local Church Lay Servants, they must be recommended by their pastor and Church Council or Charge Conference, and complete the basic course for Lay Servants.

Certified Lay Servants serve in their own churches, and may, if requested by the District Superintendent, in other churches,  and through district or conference projects and programs. To be recognized as Certified Lay Servants, they must be 
(1) recommended by their pastor and Church Council or Charge Conference, 
(2) complete the basic course and one Advanced Lay Servant course  

LAY SERVANTS ARE….

LEADING – Meetings, Committees, Small Groups, 

TEACHING – Sunday School, Bible Study

CARING – Welcome Smiles; Cards, phone calls, or visits to Shut-ins, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Prisons, any People in Need

ASSISTING – Visitation, Worship, Pastors

PARTICIPATING IN WORSHIP- Liturgist, Music, Devotions, and perhaps, occasionally a sermon

SHARING – Talent, Time, Self

  PROCLAIMING AND LIVING THE GOSPEL - At Home, At Work, At Play


Lay Servants are "Spark Plugs", "Motivators", "Information Sources", "Peer Trainers", "Communicators", "Instigators for Positive Spiritual and Mission Actions"

“As Lay Servants care, lead, and communicate, they encourage, equip, and support

others for deeper commitment to Christ and to faithful discipleship”