Certified Lay Ministers: Called to Serve
In February this column talked about the role of Certified Lay Ministers in the United Methodist Church. This month, the two Certified Lay Ministers in our conference, Lisa Bosworth and Ximena Varas, both from the Connecticut district, tell their stories.
Renata: When did you become a certified lay minister?
Lisa: I was certified in the spring of 2009.
Ximena: I was certified at the same time as Lisa at the Connecticut District conference on April 26, 2009.
Renata: What prompted your call to this ministry?
Lisa: Pastor Joan Johnson was first aware of this opportunity for service in 2005, after its appearance in the Book of Discipline 2004. She encouraged me to investigate the training and the certification process. I had already deeply sensed a call to ministry from God—a call to serve in support of church leadership (pastors) and a spiritual encouragement to congregation members.
Ximena: Certified Lay Ministry was the answer to a long time of meditation and prayer. As I talked to Rev. Heather Sinclair and my district superintendent at the time, Rev George Englehardt, I realized that this was a path God wanted for me.
Renata: Briefly describe the course of study. (Responses for both Lisa and Ximena were similar)
There are four CLM study modules. Module One emphasizes teamwork and tailoring that teamwork to the specific needs of the congregation served. Module Two outlines the congregational approach to worship services, including varied acts of praise and worship, and training and resources toward preaching. Using the teamwork approach, it focuses on faith, evangelism, membership, and discipleship. Module Three explains leadership and administration, outlining different kinds of churches and related ministry planning training. Module Four, utilizing many recommended outside resources, summarizes the history of the United Methodist Church, John Wesley’s basic teachings (such as the “Ordinances of God”), the United Methodist sacraments as initiated by Jesus Christ, and closes with recommendations toward the CLM candidate’s actual certification ceremony.
Renata: What is your current role as a certified lay minister?
Lisa: Currently I’m doing many things—I’ve taken over our church’s responsibility regarding worship services at a local nursing home, and I am most grateful for the opportunity to preach and conduct the worship service at my church once a month (on the other Sundays I am in music ministry). I research toward and conduct the weekly adult Sunday school class and have spearheaded community outreach events. The position is still relatively new, and I find it exciting to be a bit of a trailblazer in finding ways to fill in gaps, being as supportive as I can of the Pastor as well as our congregation and community.
Ximena: As Lay Minister, I am the “pastor’s assistant”. My role changes depending on the needs of the congregation. This includes visitation, helping with worship, teaching age level classes, and serving as Methodist Youth Fellowship coordinator. I sometimes lead the Sunday service at the church, as well as in nursing homes nearby.
Renata: What would be your advice to a certified lay speaker who is considering becoming a certified lay minister?
Lisa: Pray, pray, pray. Take this commissioning very seriously; God has used lay people in mighty ways throughout the history of our denomination. Take advantage of the excellent reading materials recommended by the training modules. Be flexible. Know that a fluid sense of resourcefulness and creativity are gifts from God, an encouragement to the church, a help to the Pastor, and an opportunity to experience a wonderful sense of fulfillment.
Ximena: Certified lay ministry is more than a title. It is a lifestyle! If you are a certified lay speaker and you feel that God is moving you in this direction, talk with your pastor and your district superintendent. Ask others to pray with, and for you, but most of all, listen to God!
Could God be calling you?