Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
What is a Certified Lay Minister?
A certified lay minister is a professing member of a local congregation who has received special training in Wesleyan doctrine and our denominational polity, and endorsement by the church in order to serve the church as laity.
This category encompasses all those who were previously named certified lay servants, certified lay speakers, certified lay ministers, deaconesses, home missioners, and lay missioners.
Certified lay ministers may work in any area of the church's ministry, including leading, teaching, proclaiming/preaching, evangelizing, worship, and caring ministry. As laity, a certified lay minister is not subject to the approval or appointment of the bishop or presiding elder, although they may request the lay minister serve in a ministry capacity outside his or her own local church.
What are the requirements to become a Certified Lay Minister?
As of now the recommendation to the Transitional Leadership Council for the Global Methodist Church from the CLM Task Force are a minimum of 60 hours (Example: this can be comprised of five (5) hours classroom and three (3) hours homework/reading/writing).
Download our complete CLM Guidebook and supporting documents for more details and next steps. CLM training is provided through the Trinity Conference School of Ministry.
Teaching: Bible Study, Sunday School, Small Group Facilitator
Mission Service
Spiritual Formation, Discipleship, Catechesis
Youth and Children's Ministry
Mentoring
Leadership and Worship Planning
New Church Starts
Congregational Care
Parish Nursing
Church Leadership and Administration
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.
