LAITY
Laity refers to the Greek word loas which means all the people of God. Laity are empowered through Lay Servant Ministries to serve in each community and in our conference.
Lay Servant Ministries of The United Methodist Church has its origins in early Methodism. John Wesley used lay persons to preach, conduct worship, lead studies, and visit the sick and imprisoned. These early leaders were called exhorters, forerunners of today’s lay servants.
Today, those involved in Lay Ministry are charged to witness, lead, and have their service inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship.
The three tenets of Lay Servant Ministries are Leading, Caring, and Communicating.
| TITLE: | REQUIREMENTS: |
| Local Church Lay Servant Serve primarily in the local congregation |
1. Pastor and charge conference approval 2. Complete the Basic Course in LSM 3. File annual report 4. Take a refresher course every 3 years |
| Certified Lay Servant Local Church Lay Servants who have taken an advanced course in LSM; serve in the local congregation and beyond |
1. Pastor and charge conference approval 2. Take an advanced course after the Basic 3. File annual report 4. Complete 1 advanced course every 3 years |
Lay Speaker Required Courses: |
(Are Certified Lay Servants) 1. Pastor and charge conference approval 2. Complete the required courses for lay speaker 3. Interview with District Committee on LSM 4. Approved by annual conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries 5. File annual report 6. Every 3 years complete 1 advanced course and interview with District Committee on LSM |
Peggy Sutherin
Director of Lay Servant Ministries
E-mail
Mike Bell
Associate Director of Lay Servant Ministries
E-mail
The East Ohio Conference Office:
located in North Canton, OH.
near the Akron-Canton airport.
Address:
8800 Cleveland Ave. NW ·
North Canton, OH 44720
Phones/Fax:
Local: 330-499-3972
Toll Free: 800-831-3972
Fax: (330) 499-3279
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
©2016 EAST OHIO CONFERENCE. All Rights Reserved.
EAST OHIO CONFERENCE of The United Methodist Church
