What is a lay speaker?
A United Methodist Lay Speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church. these persons receive training to develop skills in witnessing about the Christian faith through oral communications, church and community leadership and care-giving ministries. This person must be active in the support of the local church or charge and works under the clergyperson's leadership.
What is expected of a local church lay speaker?
In order for one to be a local church lay speaker, they must: support and minister to the local church, look for leadership opportunities in the local church, file a report with their Charge Conference every year and take a refresher course every three years.
What is expected of a certified lay speaker?
A certified lay speaker must: support and minister to the local church and beyond, be willing to be used by other congregations, look for leadership opportunities in the local church and beyond, file a report with their Charge Conference every year and take at least one advanced course every three years to maintain certification.
What are district lay leaders?
Each district selects at least one local church member to serve as the district lay leader. These district lay leaders work together as the Conference Board of Laity to support local churches, lay speakers, pastoral leadership and conference leadership in ministry.
The Board of Laity serves a voice for local church members at Annual Conference and provides leadership for activities throughout the eastern third of Kansas.
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