Hattiesburg District Lay Servant Training

WHAT IS A LAY SERVANT?

A lay servant (local church or certified) is a member of a local church or charge who:

• Is ready and desires to serve the church.

• Is well informed on and committed to the scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the United Methodist Church.

• Has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership and care-giving ministries.

Is active in support of the local church or charge.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LOCAL CHURCH LAY SERVANT, CERTIFIED LAY SERVANT, AND CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER?

1. A “Local Church Lay Servant” is one who has completed the basic course and serves the local church where membership is held.

2. A “Certified Lay Servant” is one who has completed the basic course and at least one advanced course and can serve the district, conference, and in local churches.

3. A “Certified Lay Minister” is one who is assigned by the District Superintendent to a particular ministry within the district or Annual Conference.

REGISTRATION FEES

Hattiesburg Laity $10

Outside Hattiesburg $30

Basic Lay Course 100 - Lay Servant Ministries

Leader- Corey Proctor-This course is the basic course for lay persons to become a Lay Servant.

 Author- Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson

Advance Lay Course 101 - Soul Reset: Relearning the Rhythms of Grace Through Daily Life With God -Leader- Pastor. Linda Fox- This course helps laity discover and lead others into the spiritual power of self-care through the means of grace.  Soul Reset: Breakdown,Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness By: Junius B. Dotson

Advance Lay Course 102 - Called to Preach - Leader- Pastor Linda Dixon-This course is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training. Also, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course and for others who are called upon to preach in the Pastor's absence.  From Pew to Pulpit By: Clifton F. Guthrie

Advance Lay Course 103 - Accountable Discipleship 

Leader- Pastor Terry Herron- This course focuses on the concept of the household of God, scriptures as divine revelation, Wesleyan understanding of grace, and the importance of the class leader in the development of the Methodist Movement.

Author-Steven Manskar Accountable Discipleship-by: Steven W. Manskar

Advance Lay Course 104 - Ministry with the Forgotten:  Dementia through a Spiritual Lens-Leader- Henrietta Brown- This course is to help Lay Servant Ministries understand Dementia from a spiritual standpoint and become more comfortable ministering with people affected by this condition. It will enable participants to learn about dementia, see people with dementia as disciples of Jesus, and discuss how to relate to them in a helpful manner.   Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia through a Spiritual Lens- by: Kenneth L. Carder