
West Central Plains District
Lay Servant Academy
Saturday, July 18, 2026
8:00 am - 5:00 pm (ET)
Clinton First United Methodist Church
310 South 4th Street
Clinton, Indiana
You are invited to join us for the Lay Servant Ministries Academy to begin or continue training for living out the call to make disciples for the transformation of our churches, communities, and world. This is an in-person LSA. Please bring lunch with you. A discount is available for youth under 18 years of age.
Cost: $20.00
Payment Information: Visa and MasterCard accepted
Please print a copy of your confirmation for your receipt.
Check payments must be mailed within 7 days of registration. Please include a copy of your invoice with your check.
Make checks payable to INUMC
Mail to:
INUMC
Attn: Susan Burris
301 Pennsylvania Parkway, #300
Carmel, IN 46280
Registration deadline: July 12, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET)
Cancellation policy: cancellations must be received via email to susan.burris@inumc.org by 11:59 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026 to be eligible for a refund less processing fee. No refunds after this date.
Classes:
- Introduction to Lay Ministry: the BASIC Course - 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 discipleship. Course text is Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant's Book by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson. Available through Amazon and Cokesbury.
- Public Prayer - Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and enrich their personal prayer life. Course text is Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher. Available through Amazon and Cokesbury. Optional Workbook - Let the Whole Church Say Amen by Laurence Hull Stookey. Optional Study Book - Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Margie Burger.
- Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders - This course will guide lay servants seeking to be more empowered to lead their congregations toward vitality. Course text is Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders by Marc Brown, Kathy Merry and John Briggs. Available through Amazon and Cokesbury.
- Called to Preach - Don't let the "pulpit" intimidate you; this class gives you the practical tools and confidence to step in and share a meaningful message when your pastor is away. Learn to turn your unique faith journey into a grounded, heart-centered sermon that speaks peace and truth to your congregation! Called to Preach is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course, and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor's absence. This course is required for the Certified Lay Speaker track of study. Course text - From Pew to Pulpit: A Beginners Guide to Preaching by Clifton F. Guthrie. Available at Amazon and Cokesbury. Supplemental/Optional text From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon by Tony Franks and David Carroll.
