Lay Servant Ministries

Training Lay Leaders for Christ’s Mission

Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) empowers laity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ through leadership, service, and witness. It provides structured pathways for laypersons to develop their gifts and engage in ministry both within their local congregation and in mission beyond the church.

Through LSM, lay leaders gain skills in preaching, teaching, and congregational leadership, supporting the Conference’s commitment to Lay Excellence.

Why Lay Servant Ministries?

LSM exists to prepare disciples to live out their faith actively and intentionally.. Through participation, laity learn to:

Lead worship, Bible Studies, and prayer ministries
Care for individuals, families, and communities
Share the Gospel through teaching, preaching, and service
Engage in mission and outreach beyond the local church

By offering education, training, and spiritual formation, LSM helps disciples identify and strengthen their gifts, build leadership skills, and contribute fully to the life of the Church.

“The Church seeks to fulfill its global mission through the Spirit-given servant ministries of all Christians, boy lay and clergy; The United Methodist tradition has recognized that laypersons…are gifted and called by God to lead the Church” - Book of Discipline ¶123, ¶134

Conference Board of Laity

The Conference Board of Laity is the elected lay leadership for the Annual Conference. The Board represents laity in shaping ministry and acts as a voice for laypersons across the Conference.

Responsibilities of the Board of Laity

Promote understanding of the laity’s role in the church, community, and world
Provide programs to strengthen theological and biblical understanding for lay life
Encourage stewardship of time, talent, and resources
Offer training and support for lay leadership at local, district, and conference levels

The Board ensures laity are prepared to serve in meaningful roles alongside clergy and contribute to the broader life of the Church.

Certification Pathways

Lay Servant Ministries offers three primary certification pathways, each with its own scope and responsibilities:

Certified Lay Servant (CLS)

A CLS is a trained layperson who serves the local church or charge through leadership, care, and communication. CLSs may lead meetings, assist in worship, teach Scripture, and foster congregational and community care.

Certification Requirements:

Complete the Basic Lay Servant course plus one Advanced course
Recommendation by pastor and church council/charge conference
Approval by the District Committee on Lay Servant Ministry

Renewal Requirements:

Annual report & renewal application
Pastor and church council/charge conference recommendation
Completion of on LSM advanced course in the past three (3) years
District Committee approval

Certified Lay Speaker (CLSp)

A CLSp is a CLS called to provide pulpit supply under the supervision of a pastor or District Superintendent. CLSp responsibilities include preaching, leading worship and prayer, and supporting congregational and community leadership.

Certification Requirements:

Must be a Certified Lay Servant
Recommendation from pastor and church council/charge conference
Completion of Lay Speaker track: Leading Worship, Leading Prayer, Discovering Spiritual Gifts, Preaching, UMC Heritage, UMC polity
Interview & recommendation from district & conference committees

Renewal Requirements:

Annual report & renewal application
Completion of an LSM advanced course within the last three (3) years
Review and recommendation by District & Conference Committees every three (3) years

Certified Lay Minister (CLM)

A CLM serves as part of a ministry team under clergy supervision, providing ongoing leadership in congregational life, outreach, small groups, and specialized ministries such as parish nursing or church planting. CLMs may conduct worship, care for the congregation, develop new faith communities, and assist in program leadership.

Certification Requirements:

Must be a Certified Lay Servant or Lay Speaker
Recommendation from pastor and church council/charge conference
Completion of Susquehanna CLM School
Recommendation from District Superintendent
Approval after screening, assessment, and interview by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry & Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries

Renewal Requirements:

Biannual Report & renewal application
Pastor and church council/charge conference recommendation
Ministry review
Completion of an LSM advanced course or approved continuing education event every two (2) years
District Superintendent recommendation & committee approvals

Compare All 3 Side-by-Side

Equipping Laity for Leadership

District Lay Servant Training

PowerPoint Slide Notes

Laity in Leadership

Resources & Forms

For easy access to essential documents and form related to Lay Servant Ministries, please see the following:

Lay Servant Report Form 8 - Annual report form for Certified Lay Servants
CLM Annual Report Form - Annual report form for Certified Lay Ministers
CLM Checklist for Candidates - Step-by-step guide for individuals pursuing CLM certification
Lay Servant Checklist - Requirements and steps for Certified Lay Servants

Lay Servant Ministries is a transformative journey for both laity and the congregations they serve. By growing in faith, leadership, and service, you help build the body of Christ and extend its witness into the world.