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Hartwell


"Lay Speakers with a passion for evangelism and a tender heart for God's people can revitalize our Church." 

Bishop G. Lindsey Davis

LAY SPEAKING MINISTRIES

A lay speaker (local church or certified) is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. An applicant must be active in the support of the local church or charge.

At the present time we have two of our members who have recived tranning in the Lay Speaking Ministry. They have recived the tranning nessecary not only to serve in the local church, but to also to the North Georgia conferance. As a Lay Speaker you will be able to serve the church in many ways. Any one who is in a leadership role should be encouraged to take the tranning as it will help you confidently perform, teach, and train other laity to be better in their areas of ministry.

Our Lay Speakers have all completed the advanced tranning and have recived recognition as Certified Lay Speakers

    John Milner      Bill McGee

There are two groups of Lay Speakers: 

          1.  Local Church Lay Speaker

2. The Certified Lay Speaker

Application

Anyone who is interested in lay speaking must first apply in writing (form furnished by pastor) to their pastor. The Book of Discipline states the candidate as one who is already active in the support of his/her charge'. The form is then passed on to the District Director who will contact the applicant and inform them of the class schedule for training. Any applicant must take The Lay Speaking Basic Course and upon completion of 10 hours of class, will -receive their certificate of recognition. The lay speaker must file an annual report and reapplication with their pastor/charge conference to keep their status on record with their church, their district and their conference. The Certified Lay Speaker has completed a basic course and must take an advanced course to be a Certified Lay Speaker. The Certified Lay Speaker must also file an annual report with the past/charge conference, be accepted and confirmed in order to continue their certification. 

The Lay Speaking Ministries is not about teaching public speaking, it is not about replacing pastors in the pulpit, It is designed to sustain and support those in the church who are willing to initiate ministries, and be a willing servant. Call and ask about Lay Speaking Ministries today!