• The New York Conference
• Ministries
• Ministry of the Laity
• Lay Servant

Lay Servant

General Conference 2016

Adopted Lay Servant Ministries Legislation - Beginning 1/1/2017

What is Lay Servant Ministries?

According to the Book of Discipline, a lay servant is a professing member of a local church or charge conference who is "ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization and life of The United Methodist Church." "A lay servant has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries."  All Certified Lay Servants must submit an annual report to their charge conference and be reapproved annually.

The 2016 General Conference of the UMC adopted several resolutions that helped to define and clarify the various certifications in Lay Servant Ministries.  Beginning January 1, 2017:

Local Lay Servant – is no longer a valid designation and no annual reporting is required.

Certified Lay Servant – has successfully completed the Basic Lay Servant Ministry course in Leading, Caring and Communicating, and has successfully completed an approved advanced lay servant ministry course of study. Annual reporting is required (see form below).

Certified Lay Speaker – is a Certified Lay Servant who has completed the requirements for this certification, including the successful completion of six required advanced lay servant courses.  Annual reporting is required (see form below).

Certified Lay Minister – is a Certified Lay Servant who has met all of the requirements and courses of study for this certification, and has been approved by his/her district superintendent, District Board and Conference Board of Lay Servant Ministry. Annual reporting is required (see form below).

Here is a  LSM Info Sheet for specific requirements for each category which includes the requirements for Certified Lay Servants, Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Ministers.

If you have any questions, please contact your District Director of Lay Servant Ministries or Mary Brevigleiri, NYAC Director of Lay Servant Ministries, 68 Case St., Canton CT 06019, 860-307-4611, Mary.Brevigleiri@nyac-umc.com

Lay Servant Classes

Click here to view Lay Servant classes and events in the New York Conference

Annual Report

Annual Reports for Lay Ministries: 

• Certified Lay Servant
• Certified Lay Speaker
• Certified Lay Minister

Please visit the Discipleship Ministries site for more information on lay servants.

District Representatives of Lay Servant Ministry