Central District Fall Lay Servant School

Saturday, November 10, 2018
8:00 am - 3:00 pm EST
Chapel Hill UMC
963 N Girls School Rd
Indianapolis IN
Lay Servant School and Lay Servant Ministries are for anyone interested in learning or polishing ministry skills relating to speaking, teaching, leading, caring, and leadership. Lay Servants serve the local church in any way in which their witness, leadership, and service inspire the laity to deeper commitment in Christ and more effective leadership.
 
The day will begin with fellowship and refreshments from 8:00 until 8:30 am.  Opening worship will start at 8:30 am.  Classes will last from 9:00 am until 2:30 pm, with a brief lunch break in the late morning.  We will close with Communion and prayer at 2:30 pm.
 
The requirements to become a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker were defined by the 2016 General Conference.
 
To become a Certified Lay Servant:
  • Complete the Basic Couse and also complete at least one Advanced Course
  • Each Advanced Course counts as 10 hours of coursework, including class time, worship/fellowship times at the Lay Servants School, and a homework/reading assignment that will vary by class.
  • Submit an annual report outlining your ministry activities to your local Charge Conference.
 
To maintain CLS status, a candidate must complete a minimum of 10 hours of coursework (at least 1 Advanced Course) every three years.
 
To become a Certified Lay Speaker: 
  • Complete 6 specific Advanced Classes:  Preaching, Polity, Spiritual Gifts, United Methodist Heritage, Worship & Prayer
  • Submit an annual report outlining your ministry activities to your local Charge Conference
Cost:  $23 per person; includes lunch
 
Registration deadline:  November 2, 2018 at 11:59 pm
 
Books:  for most classes, you will need to purchase the required book in advance and bring it with you.
  • Books can be purchased through Cokesbury.com or Amazon.com
  • If you need assistance, contact Anthony Swinger at anthony.swinger@yahoo.com or 317-372-4991

Additional Resources/Opportunities:

Information on all Indiana lay servant schools is posted at www.inumc.org/lsmtrainingopportunities.

Advanced courses are also available online at www.beadisciple.com/?s=lay+servant+ministries.

Annual Report forms are at www.inumc.org/files/websites/www/Lay+Servant+Annual+Report+1+.pdf.

Class Choices:

Basic Course

  • This is a prerequisite for any of the Advanced Courses.
  • Leader: Kurt Schoch, CLS, St. Luke’s UMC.
  • You will learn about the “Ministry of the Baptized” and the Ministries of Leading, Caring, Communicating, and Going into the World (The Great Commission).
  • Required text: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson.

Advanced Course: Prayer

  • Leader: Ruth Esther Vawter, CLS, Chapel Hill UMC.
  • Topics include strengthening and growing your own prayer life, along with leading prayer in worship, leading prayer in other settings, intercessory prayer and more,
  • Required text: None.
  • Prerequisite: Basic

Advanced Course: Preaching

  • Leader: Rev. Colin Cress, Shelbyville First UMC
  • This is a 2-session class. The first session (which takes place during the Lay Servant School) will focus on a wide range of topics including: What a sermon is and how it differs from other forms of speech, different styles of preaching, preaching from the Lectionary, Scripture, topical personal testimony, and special occasions. You'll also discuss silent prayer time and altar calls, and how styles may vary among congregations and demographics. As preparation, write less than one page about this topic: If I had to preach today, which scripture passage would I choose and why? At the second session (on a future date to be scheduled by the class), each participant will preach a short sermon and receive class feedback. All participants are expected to attend both sessions.
  • Required Text:  From Pew to Pulpit by Clifton Guthrie
  • Prerequisite: Basic

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

  • Leader: Kate Biggs, CLS, Linton UMC
  • This course is designed to encourage individuals to discover God's call to ministry in their own lives. You will learn about practical ways to use our gifts in ministries in our congregations and in our communities.
  • Required Text: Each One A Minister by William J. Carter. Please read the text before the class.
  • Prerequisite: Basic.

Advanced Course: Worship: Building Disciples and Building Community

  • Leader: Rev. Elizabeth Gilbert, Plainfield UMC.
  • How can we make the worship experience meaningful for every guest, and how can we make sure our opportunities for worship connect with newcomers and the most experienced churchgoers alike? If you plan or lead worship services, or may do so in the future, this class will help you prepare.
  • Required Text: The Special Days and Seasons of the Christian Year by Pat Floyd.
  • Prerequisite: Basic

All required texts must be purchased in advance at Amazon.com or Cokesbury.com.