by Betty Stewart, West District LSM Director
From the LSM Resource booklet: “Lay ministry is the work of mission or ministry to which each believer is called …” This program encourages learning and growth through many varied topics that are effective tools in spreading the Good News within your family, church and community.
Courses such as: Leading Public Prayer, Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, Accountable Discipleship, Planning & Leading Worship, Leading Bible Study, and many more. These are a few of the valuable courses that are have been offered via Zoom.
Only one class is required as an in-person event, it is Called to Preach. To follow on the path of becoming a Certified Lay Speaker, this course plus the following are required: Introduction to Lay Ministry, Leading Worship, Leading Prayer, Discovering Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage, United Methodist Polity. As a Certified Lay Speaker, you are valuable in many ways of service – to your pastor, as Pulpit Supply filling in when a pastor is not available at another church, and in other settings within the Conference.
Currently there are two in person Called to Preach classes scheduled for 2022 and one more planned in the Verde Valley area later this spring.
- Friday’s, February 4, 18, and 25, 5:30-9:00 PM – Gila Mountain UMC, 12716 N. Frontage Rd. Yuma, AZ Click here for more information
- Monday’s, March 7, 14, and 21, 5:30-9:00 PM – Sunrise UMC, 19234 N 7th Ave Phoenix, AZ Click here for more information
We encourage everyone to register and attend classes as they are offered. If you would like more information on specific classes, or would like to receive the LSM Course Descriptions and Equipping Resources pamphlet, please contact:
Betty Stewart
West District LSM Director
Bettyboop491@cox.net
