School of Ministry

"I don't know if I've ever seen the Spirit move the way I've seen this week. I needed this. It's hard to be filled when you're preaching and leading. Being with others on this same journey, connecting with them, and worshiping with them has been very fulfilling. Thank you for doing this." — School of Ministry program participant

The Trinity Conference School of Ministry offers a low-impact educational experience that primarily focuses on ministry development, spiritual formation, and an introductory exploration of God's call in the lives of our laity or clergy. These studies provide a basic training for ministry in the Global Methodist Church.

The Curriculum

Twelve classes. Take them in any order.

Each class is a three-hour workshop, with additional time consideration for reading and response questions. Anyone can take any class at any time. The curriculum consists of 8 core classes and 4 elective classes.

Required for every class

School of Ministry Workbook

All School of Ministry classes are taught from the student workbook.

Get the workbook

Core Classes

All 8 required for certification
  • GMC History
  • GMC Doctrine
  • Wesleyan Theology
  • Christian Discipleship
  • Basics of the Bible
  • Caring Ministry
  • Leadership, Polity, Administration
  • Mission and Evangelism

Elective Classes

Four offered · Choose two
  • Basics of Preaching
  • Worship Leading and Sacraments
  • Leading Small Groups
  • Leading Prayer Ministries

The Path to Certification

Certificate in Lay Ministry

8 Core classes
2 Electives
10 Classes complete
6 months Mentorship with an ordained pastor

Those seeking a Certificate in Lay Ministry must complete the eight core classes and two electives. Upon completion of these 10 classes, aspiring CLM students enroll in a six-month mentorship with an ordained pastor.

About Certified Lay Ministry

Three Ways to Take a Class

Wherever you are, whenever you're ready

Online

Online Campus

Take classes online from wherever you serve.

In person

Hub Church Events

Join a class at one of our in-person hub church events.

All 10 classes · 5 days

October Intensive Week

An immersive week with morning and evening worship and activities for fellowship and community.

Events

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2025 Course Syllabi

Plan your educational pathway with course dates and details. Our 2025 Course Syllabi are available for download now.
Coming Soon

For Laity Leaders

The School of Ministry provides a great resource for local churches looking to effectively equip lay leadership with tools for ministry in the local church. Small group leaders, care team members, prayer teams, and especially local church lay leaders. Anyone can participate in courses.

For New Supply Pastors

New Supply Pastors need a quick toolkit for ministry training so that they can effectively serve the local church while attending seminary or Course of Study. The School of Ministry supplies this need especially through the intensive week held each October.

For Certified Lay Ministry

The School of Ministry provides a great resource for local churches looking to effectively equip lay leadership with tools for ministry in the local church. Small group leaders, care team members, prayer teams, and especially local church lay leaders. Anyone can participate in courses.

For Ministry Directors

Those already serving the local church as a Ministry Director (e.g., Youth Ministry, Children's Ministry, Worship Ministry, etc.) would find great benefit in the School of Ministry. Courses provide basic ministry training that can provide ministry directors a fuller understanding of ministry in the Global Methodist Church.

Request a Mentor

Mentors are available for those who are enrolled in the School of Ministry and who are pursuing candidacy toward certification as lay ministers and who meet other specific requirements of the program.
Get Started

Funding the Call

The Trinity Conference helps subsidize expenses. Additional scholarship options are available. Contact us for more information.
Contact Us

Facebook Group

Stay up to date with the people and programs in the school of Ministry. We have a Facebook user group that may be just what you're looking for.
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