Lay Servant Ministry Training

A variety of advanced courses are available online year-round. Classes will be shared here as we receive the information, contact your District Director of LSM if you have any questions. You can take a course at any church; it does not have to be in your district. You can also take a course in the West Ohio Conference, upcoming courses can be found online here.

Anyone may take lay servant training courses for spiritual development, even if you do not intend to serve as a lay servant. Taking a lay servant class does not obligate you to speak publicly. You may enroll in courses offered in any district in the spring and fall or in the online courses. Class participants are not required to take the BASIC course prior to other classes, but persons new to lay servant ministries are strongly encouraged to take the BASIC course first. However, if you do wish to be recognized as a ‘Certified Lay Servant’ by the East Ohio Conference, the BASIC course and one Advanced course is a requirement. The 2016 Book of Discipline no longer uses "Local (Basic) Lay Servant."

If registration is closed, please contact your District LSM Director about possible late registration. If cost is a barrier to taking an LSM class, we encourage you ask your church about sponsorship first. The Conference has limited funds available for scholarships, please apply here.

Certified Lay Ministry Academy | February 28 - July 11, 2026
The deadline to register was February 15. Please contact Deb Gilson by e-mail about possible late registration.

Basic Lay Servant Courses

This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.

Old Washington UMC (South Forest District) | March 21 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration and Details
Paper Registration

Mayfield UMC in Chesterland (Northern Waters District) | April 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration and Details

Montrose Zion UMC in Akron (Northern Waters District) | April 24 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and April 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration and Details

Advanced Lay Servant Courses

Old Washington UMC (South Forest District) | March 21 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Advanced Course: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Traditions
Registration and Details
Paper Registration

Mayfield UMC in Chesterland (Northern Waters District) | April 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Advanced Courses: Life Together in the UM Connection (United Methodist Polity for Certified Lay Speaker track) or Lay Pastoral Care Giving
Registration and Details

Montrose Zion UMC in Akron (Northern Waters District) | May 2 and 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days
Advanced Course: Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church
Registration and Details

Montrose Zion UMC in Akron (Northern Waters District) | July 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Advanced Course: Polity (book TBD)
Registration and Details