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Fall 2025 Shenandoah River District Lay Servant Training Academy

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025
Macedonia United Methodist Church, 1941 Macedonia Church Rd Stephens City, VA 22655

8:15 a.m. – Gathering and Check-in. Breakfast offered by Macedonia UMC
9 a.m. -- 9:45 a.m. Worship with District Superintendent Kyungsuk Cho
10 a.m. -- 12:15 p.m. – Morning Class session
12:15-12:45 p.m. – Lunch (free will offering)
1 p.m. -- 4 p.m. – Afternoon Class session

Each of us is expected to be a lay servant in the broadest sense of the words. However, some people will feel called to go beyond that and receive training to equip them to take on other roles, including preaching on occasion. The United Methodist Church, in the Book of Discipline, recognizes three levels of certified lay servant ministries: Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, and Certified Lay Minister. The Virginia Conference has created this guide to understanding each level.
The mission of the District Lay Servant Ministries Committee is to offer training and resources that help each lay person find and develop their service callings. We are pleased to offer these courses.
Register for the Lay Servant Academy using the button below!

Basic Class

This course is the introductory class for the Lay Servant program. It is recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about the United Methodist church and the role of the laity in the church. It will help you identify your spiritual gifts and ways you can use them to serve your church. This class would be a particular help to church lay leaders and others in church leadership positions. You will be asked to read the text prior to the class. The book is Lay Servant Ministries – Basic Course and is available to order from The Upper Room at https://store.upperroom.org/product/lay-servant-ministries-basic-course-participant-s-book. Instructor: Rev. Stephen Creech, Manor Memorial UMC, New Market.

Leading Worship

This is an advanced course which counts towards certification or re-certification as a lay servant or lay speaker. The class is required for those who are seeking to be Certified Lay Speakers. It is designed to help you create meaningful worship experiences for your congregation. You will be introduced to many resources you can use to help plan worship services, as well as tips for how to be an effective worship leader. You will be asked to read the text prior to attending. Text: Worshiping with United Methodists, available at https://store.upperroom.org/product/worshiping-with-united-methodists. Instructor: Rev. Susan Catlett, Brucetown/Emmanuel UMC, Stephenson.

United Methodist Heritage

This is an advanced course which counts towards certification or re-certification as a lay servant or lay speaker. The class is required for those who are seeking to be Certified Lay Speakers. This course will explore the history and traditions of the United Methodist Church, from John Wesley to today. You will be asked to read the book prior to the class. Book: Living our Beliefs the United Methodist Way, available at https://store.upperroom.org/product/living-our-beliefs. Instructor: Rev. Larry Davies, retired United Methodist elder and former District Superintendent in the Virginia Conference.

Leading Bible Study

This is an advanced course which counts towards certification or re-certification as a lay servant or lay speaker. Studying a Bible text or chapter can be among the most meaningful things we can do as Christians. This class will help you design and carry out Bible studies that will inspire and lift up you and your fellow students. You will be asked to read the book prior to class and there may be pre-class assignments. Book: Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies, available at https://www.cokesbury.com/Teaching-Biblical-Faith?refq=teaching%20biblical%20faith. Instructor: Rev. Joel Robinette, Keezletown UMC.

Resources

Ministry can be complicated! We've compiled a list of resources here that will help you navigate the systems designed to make you successful. As always, reach out to the District Office with any questions.

Types of Lay Servants

There are 3 types of Lay Servants. This document compares them for the purpose of helping you discern the type of Lay Servant God is calling you to become.

Access the Lay Servant Comparison Sheet