Lay Servant classes are offered twice a year through most districts in the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. See brochure for details (link below). Classes are offered for FREE to Heritage District congregations!

• Introduction to Lay Ministry: Basic Class*
  Discover and develop gifts of caring, leading, and communicating ministries, putting faith into action to love God and all of our neighbors. This is a required class for those seeking to become a Certified Lay Servant.
  Class Sessions: Saturdays; March 8 (10am-Noon), March 22 & April 5 (10am-2pm)
  Location: Jackson First United Methodist, 275 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201
  Registration Deadline: March 1
  Class Facilitators: Pastor Penny Nunn & Anne Hanna
• Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage)*
  Learn the meaning and power of the United Methodist way of living, serving, and witnessing to Jesus Christ
  in the world. It is a required class for those seeking to become a Certified Lay Speaker.
  Class Sessions: Saturdays; March 15 & April 5 (9am-3pm)
  Location: Pinckney Arise United Methodist Church, 11211 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney, MI 48169
  Registration Deadline: March 8
  Class Facilitators: Pastor Jonathan Vitale & Steve Carey
• Leading Worship*
  Attending by (select one): Zoom or In-Person
  Learn the basics of United Methodist worship and practice being a worship leader. It is a required class for
  those seeking to become Certified Lay Speakers.
  Class Sessions: Saturdays; March 22 & April 5 (9am-3pm)
  Location: Lincoln Community United Methodist Church, 9074 Whitaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
  Registration Deadline: March 15
  Class Facilitators: Pastor Chris Butson & Colleen Croxall
• Teaching Biblical Faith; Leading Small Group Bible Studies
  Attending by (select one): Zoom In-Person
  Learn how to lead small group Bible studies using a variety of approaches that will lead to scriptural wisdom
  and the shaping of personal and congregational decision-making.
  Class Sessions: Wednesdays; May 7, 14, 21, & 28 (6pm-8:30pm)
  Location: Clinton United Methodist Church, 10990 Tecumseh-Clinton Road, Clinton, MI 49236
  Registration Deadline: April 30
  Class Facilitators: Pastor Michelle McCalla & Sheila Stasak
• Download flyer: Lay Servant Classes Spring 2025

*Required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Speakers.

Lay Servant classes provide laity with the opportunity for personal growth, to learn more about the United Methodist Church, and ways to provide  leadership in the church. Becoming a Certified Lay Servant requires the Basic Class, one additional class, and the recommendation of their pastor and Church Council. Renewal requires a class every three years and the same recommendation.

Certified Lay Minister

Have you thought about your calling as a layperson lately? What is God calling you to do? God calls us all, and sometimes that call is to the ministry of the laity. You can learn more from the Michigan Conference website: Lay Servant Ministries and Certified Lay Ministry