What is a Certified Lay Minister?

A Certified Lay Minister serves as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson.

The certified lay minister serves to enhance the quality of ministry much like a class leader did in early Methodism through service in the local church, circuit or cooperative parish, or by expanding team ministry in other churches and charges. As with lay ministry in early Methodism, the certified lay minister uses his or her spiritual gifts as evidence of God’s grace” (The Book of Discipline, ¶268.2).

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

To become a Certified Lay Minister:

1. Certified as a lay servant or lay missioner.
2. Course Work (¶268):
   • CLM Intro to Ministry
   • CLM Wesleyan Leadership
   • CLM Theology & Worship
   • CLM Developing Disciples
   • CLM Purpose and Preaching
   • CLM Congregational Caring
3. Pastor and Church Council or Charge Conference recommendation.
4. Psychological Assessment.
5. District Superintendent recommendation.
6. Conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries recommendation to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
7. District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM) recommendation.
8. Final approval by the Laity Council.

To Be Recertified as a Certified Lay Minister:

• Annual report of Certified Lay Ministry report found in the Charge Conference Forms #15.
• Pastor and church council or charge conference recommendation.
• Ministry review.
• Lay Servant Ministries advanced course or approved continuing education event every two years that has not been taken before.
• District Superintendent recommendation.
• District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM) recommendation for renewal every 2 years.
• Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries approval every 2 years after interview with and recommendation from the DCOM.