CLM Program Overview
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a lay person who serves the small membership church. The CLM will preach the word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program worship and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of the United Methodist Church.
To become a certified lay minister, the person will pass eleven courses and be approved by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM). A student is responsible for visiting with their district superintendent to begin the DCOM process.
To begin training, apply to the director of the CLM program, Rev. Carl Ellis. Download a Certified Lay Minister Training Program application. Send the completed application to Rev. Carl Ellis, Center for the Small Membership Church, Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin Room 315 Box 81, Salina, KS 67401 or e-mail it to cellis@kswestumc.org.
The Kansas Area of the United Methodist Church, in partnership with Kansas Wesleyan University, has developed courses that will help lay people develop a base for leadership. When students complete the CLM courses, they will be able to articulate the faith in written and verbal form.
2011–2012 Class Schedule
Ministry Discovery (Intro to CLM)
This course will include a spiritual gifts inventory, understanding the individual’s call to ministry and understanding the priesthood of all believers, ordination and orders in the United
Methodist church. Web Sessions: Independent Study Instructor: Carl K. Ellis
To download a registration form, click here.
Worship
Exploring, examining and effecting worship within the United Methodist tradition. Web Sessions: Sept. 5 – Sept. 30, 2011 Class Meeting: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Instructors: Mic McGuire & Sue Barham Registration Deadline: August 22, 2011. To download a registration form, click here.
United Methodist History
United Methodist History for Certified Lay Ministers wlll introduce participants to the major themes in United Methodist History. Web Sessions: October 3 – Oct. 28, 2011
Instructor: Mark Conard Registration Deadline: Sept. 23, 2011
To download a registration form, click here.
Introduction to Pastoral Care
This course will include instruction in ministering to those who grieve, those in crisis, those who are sick and those spending time in the nursing home, hospital or jail. An emphasis will be placed on the gift of presence each Christian brings to those who need care. Web Sessions: Nov. 1 – Nov. 30, 2011 Instructor: Christi Peterson Registration Deadline: October 17, 2011
To download a registration form, click here.
Preaching
Preaching will prepare the Certified Lay Minister for the task of preparing sermons and delivering them effectively in the context of Sunday morning worship. Class size is limited to 10 students, allowing ample time for student presentations. Instructor: Lance Carrithers. Web Sessions: January 3 – Jan. 31, 2012 Class Meeting: Saturday, January 28, 2012 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: Dec. 19, 2011 To download a registration form, click here.
Evangelism
Evangelism will look at the meaning of evangelism, helping students understand the importance of reaching out to others in Christian love, making disciples for Jesus Christ. Web Sessions: Feb. 6 – March 2, 2012 Instructor: Troy Bowers Registration Deadline: January 27, 2012 To download a registration form, click here.
United Methodist Theology & Doctrine
Explore the Theology and Doctrine of the Christian Church and contributions of the United Methodist Church to theological and doctrinal discussion. Web Sessions: March 5 – March 30, 2012 Class Meeting: March 24, 2012 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Instructor: Jan Hayen Registration Deadline: February 20, 2012 To download a registration form, click here.
Missions and Social Concerns
It is envisioned to offer an understanding of United Methodist mission theology as well as some mission education program ideas and methods to pastors, lay and ordained, through a partnership with annual conference board/committee/teams on Global Ministries, with an organized opportunity for reflection on mission and mission theology from the United Methodist perspective. Web Sessions: June 4 – June 29, 2012 Registration Deadline: May 21, 2012
To download a registration form, click here.
Practice of Ministry (Closed for new students - Next enrollment August 2012)
This course helps the student learn how to prepare, write and deliver a sermon once a week, help parishioners in crisis, and the keys to pastoral leadership when serving the church.
The course is year long and includes web sessions and 4 Saturday classes at Kansas Wesleyan University. Contact Carl Ellis for more information: cellis@kswestumc.org