layspeaker-2012

l

WHAT IS A LAY SPEAKER?

A Lay Speaker is a professing member of a local United Methodist Church or charge who is desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, organization and life of the United Methodist Church. A Lay Speaker receives specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership and care-giving ministries. An applicant must be active in the support of the local church or charge.

n

Lay Speakers serve the local charge or charge (or beyond the local church or charge) in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ.

j

Through continued study and training, a Lay Speaker prepares to undertake one or more of the following functions, giving primary attention to service within the local church or charge:

• to take the initiative in providing leadership, assistance and support of the programs of  the local church or charge
• to lead meetings for prayer, training, study and discussion as requested by the pastor, the district superintendent or the committee on Lay Speaking
• to conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship and to present sermons and addresses when requested by the pastor, the district superintendent or the committee on Lay Speaking
• to provide leadership for congregational, community life and fostering care giving ministries of the church

j

RESOURCES AND HELP

• Next Lay Speaker Training: March 10, 2012~ 7:40 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ~ Asbury UMC, 3210 N. NW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75702 Lay Speaker training courses are recommended by the General Board of Discipleship.
• Learn more about Lay Speaker Requirements.