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Upcoming Lay Servant Academy

The Shenandoah River District Lay Servant Ministries Committee is working out the details of our September Lay Servant Academy, which will be held 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 at Strasburg UMC.

The theme for the Academy will be “Serving with Grace in the Wesleyan Tradition.”

We will begin with a worship service led by Conference Lay Leader Martha Stokes. Martha is a wonderful speaker and leader who believes deeply in Lay Servanthood.

We will have four classes, plus a preaching review.

Basic Course: Taught by the Rev. Stephen Creech, pastor at Manor Memorial United Methodist Church in New Market. The book for this course is available by clicking the button below.

Spiritual Gifts: This course will be taught by Rev. Joseph Plemmons. Order the book for this course by clicking the button below. This is one of the six required courses to become a Certified Lay Speaker. It also will count towards recertification.

United Methodist Polity: The course gives students insights and understanding into how the United Methodist Church is organized and how decisions are made in the denomination. It will be taught by Martha Stokes, who recently served as a Virginia delegate to the General Conference. This is one of the six required courses to become a Certified Lay Speaker. It also will count towards recertification. The book is available by clicking the button below.

Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: This advanced course will explore how we can create and lead effective ministries for the older members of our congregations and communities. The book for the course can be found by clicking the button below.. It will count toward recertification as a lay servant or lay speaker. Teacher - TBA.

Preaching Review: This is not the required Preaching course. Instead, it is an opportunity for lay speakers (and others) to present a short sermon to a group of experienced pastors, who will offer critiques and constructive criticism. Eventually, we envision that a review such as this will become part of the District Lay Speaker certification process. Rev. Gary Heaton is coordinating this session.

Online registration for the classes will begin in early August. Registration will be $20, with a free will offering for lunch. Check back here as time gets closer for the registration portal.
-Wendell Cochran, Co-Chair, District Lay Servant Ministries Committee

Link to the Book for the Basic Course Link to the Book for Spiritual Gifts Link to the Book for United Methodist Polity Link to the Book for Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century

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