Registration is now open for the 2023 Metro District Lay Servant Ministries training! We are offering the trainings at two host churches as well as an advanced course via Zoom. Class size is limited so register early. Deadline to register for the March training is March 10 and for the April training is April 7.

Remember, if you are a Certified Lay Servant or want to become a Certified Lay Servant, you must take an advanced course every three years (and have completed the Basic course). Due to COVID, in-person training has been limited. This is your opportunity to complete an advanced course for certification. If you need to take an advanced course but do not feel comfortable with in-person classes at this time, there is one advanced course offered via Zoom. If you are not sure when you took your last class, please email me. 

The ministry of the laity is vital to our churches, district, communities, conference and the world! Lay Servant Ministry is a way we, as lay persons, can grow spiritually, become equipped to serve, discover our spiritual gifts and ways to use them, and experience connection and fellowship with other Lay Servants. 

The training is open to all laity, provided you have spoken to your pastor and received recommendation for taking the course you choose. I will contact them after you register to ask for their approval. All Lay Servants must be approved by their church council/charge conference and have the approval of their pastor to participate in Lay Servant Ministry.  

Registration fee for all courses is $10. 

You MUST purchase your own book. Books are available to purchase online at Amazon, The Upper Room and Cokesbury. The course title below is also the title of the participant's book you need to purchase. The author's name is also listed. 

March 25-26 Lay Servant Training
St. Andrew’s UMC, 1901 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, 28210
You must attend all sessions to receive credit for the training.

Saturday, March 25: Check-in: 8:45 am – 9 am Class: 9 am – 4 pm
Snacks and lunch provided. 
Sunday, March 26: Class: 2 pm – 5:30 pm Snacks provided.
                               Closing service: 5: 30 pm – 6 pm

April 22-23 Lay Servant Training
Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union Street N. Concord, NC 28025
You must attend all sessions to receive credit for the training.

Saturday, April 22: Check-in: 8:45 am – 9 am Class: 9 am – 4 pm
Snacks and lunch provided.  
Sunday, April 23:  Class: 2 pm – 5:30 pm Snacks provided.
                             Closing service: 5: 30 pm – 6 pm

ZOOM ADVANCED COURSE
We acknowledge that not everyone is ready for in-person classes. We are offering one advanced lay servant course via Zoom. 

Friday, April 21:  6:00pm - 9:00pm 
Saturday, April 22:  8:30am - 12:30pm 
Sunday, April 23:  2:00pm - 5:00pm                                                                

Description of courses being offered:

BASIC (Offered at both locations)

Lay Servant Ministries, Participants Book (Basic Course), by Sandy Jackson and Brian Jackson
“This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.”

ADVANCED COURSES 

Soul Reset: Breakdown, breakthrough, and the journey to wholeness by Junius B. Dotson
“Will you slow down long enough for a Soul Reset and lean on Jesus for rest? Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, this book (course) offers practical help for stepping away from constant busyness and allowing God to transform your life.

The Method of Our Mission by Laceye C. Warner (Polity Course)
“This accessible book uses a Wesleyan theological frame – connection – to help readers (students) understand United Methodist Polity and organization as the interrelationship of our beliefs, mission and practice.”

**From Pew to Pulpit: A Beginner's Guide to Preaching by Clifton F. Guthrie (Called to Preach course)
This preaching course is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training but feel called to preach as a lay person and for those who are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence.  
**This course is only offered March 25-26 at St. Andrew's UMC

**For the Common Good: Discovering and Using your Spiritual Gifts by Christine Harman.
This course was designed for Lay Servant Ministry training as an advanced course on spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are not given for our own benefit but for the common good – to strengthen the unity of the church.
**This course is only offered April 22-23 at Forest Hill UMC and via Zoom on April 21, 22 and 23. 

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Contact Jatana Royster (jroyster@wnccumc.org) with any questions. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER