Spring Laity Retreat

LAY SPEAKING

Charlottesville District Lay Leadership & Lay Speaker Training

 The Charlottesville District is pleased to offer Lay Speaker Training. Please check back for information on 2007 District Lay Speaker Training offerings.

• An active, supportive member of a United Methodist church;

• Eager to serve through the church;

• Well-informed on the scriptures, and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church;

• Committed to witnessing her/his faith through church and community leadership, care giving ministries, and spoken communication;

• Willing to improve his/her skills for service.

• Serve in and through their local congregation.   To be recognized as a Local Church Lay Speaker, you must:

• Be recommended by your pastor and your Administrative Council or Administrative Board;

• Complete the basic course for lay speaking ministry and continue in education with your pastor;

• Annually reapply, reporting how you have served and continued to learn.

May serve in other congregations and in district and conference projects and program.  To be recognized as a Certified Lay Speaker, you must:

• Have the same recommendations as a Local Church Lay Speaker;

• Complete the basic course for lay speaking ministry;

• Complete one advanced course;

• Be certified by the District or Annual Conference Committee on Lay Speaking.

• Report annually on how you have served and continued to learn;

• Complete at least one advanced course every three years.

Leading

• Serving as an officer in various work areas of your church;

• Serving as liturgist for worship;

• Helping to start a new church school class;

• Guiding Bible study;

• Lending support for special emphases in your congregation;

• Using your role in school and community groups as a way to witness and serve;

• Serving on committees in your local church.

Caring

• Welcoming newcomers;

• Organizing and working in outreach ministries;

• Reaching out with love in times of personal crises;

• Providing services for persons with physical or mental challenges before them.

Communicating

• Sharing the gospel one-on-one;

• Interpreting conference and general church programs;

• Leading devotions for groups in the congregation and in the community;

• Pulpit supply;

• Teaching church school.

• You are ready to share your faith;

• You are willing to go wherever and when ever God calls you;

• You will commit your time and energy to the service of your neighbor;

• You desire to share God's love.