West Central Plains

Lay Servant Academy

September 19, 2026

8:00 am - 5:00 pm (ET)

Lebanon Centenary United Methodist Church

910 Fordice Road

Lebanon, 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 a one day in person Lay Servant Academy. Registrants can attend only one class and must be present the entire day. Please bring your lunch with you.

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: Erin Belbutoski

301 Pennsylvania Parkway, #300

Carmel, IN 46280

Registration Deadline: September 17, 2026 

Cancellation Policy: cancellations must be received via email to erin.belbutoski@inumc.org by 11:59 pm on

September 17, 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 their discipleship.

  • Required Course Text: Lay Servant Ministries--Basic Course by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson Amazon or Cokesbury

Preaching-Called to Preach - 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. Called to Preach is the required preaching course in the lay speaker track of study.

  • Required Course Text: From Pew to Pulpit by Clifton F. Guthrie Amazon or Cokesbury
  • Supplemental/Optional Text: From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon by Tony Franks and David Carroll Amazon or Cokesbury

Advanced Course-Old Testament - As people of faith, the words of the Old Testament are sacred. But sometimes, if we're being honest, the apparent contradictions and varying perspectives of these scriptures can be more confusing than clear. In Sacred Tension, renowned biblical scholar William P. Brown challenges us to embrace the dissonance within the Old Testament as a gift to prompt ongoing dialogue instead of something to be avoided.

  • Required Course Text: Sacred Tension: Embracing Dissonance and Dialogue in the Old Testament by William P. Brown Amazon or Cokesbury

Advanced Course-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.

  • Required Course Text: Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher Amazon or Cokesbury
  • Optional Workbook: Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey Amazon or Cokesbury
  • Optional Study Book: Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Margie Burger Amazon or Upper Room Books
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