Harrisonburg District
Lay Speaking Ministries

One of the most exciting ministries of The United Methodist Church is its training and empowerment of the laity to serve. Lay persons have had a vital role in the United Methodist Church since 1729. John Wesley (1703-1791), regarded as the founder as Methodism, broke new ground with his use of lay persons as class leaders, exhorters, and lay preachers. The lay speakers of today are direct descendants of the laity whom Wesley empowered in the work of making disciples.

Lay Speaking is not just filling pulpits. Lay Speaking Ministries as defined in the Book of Discipline offers wonderful possibilities for expanding the work of lay speakers. The classes described below suggest many areas of ministry as well as offering ideas for expanding the role beyond what we have traditionally understood.

The whole issue of how Lay Speaking Ministers can assist our congregations and communities is limited only by your imagination and willingness to serve as a representative of Jesus Christ.

 

A Lay Speaker is:

§ An active, supportive member of a United Methodist Church

§ Eager to serve through the church

§ Well-informed on the scripture, and the doctrine, heritage,  organization, and life of The United Methodist Church

§ Committed to witnessing through church and community leadership,   care-giving ministries, and spoken communication; and

§ Willing to improve his/her skills for service.

Local Church Lay Speakers

serve in and through their local churches. To be recognized as local church lay speakers, they must be recommended by their pastor and Administrative Council/Board, and complete the basic course for Lay Speaking. Each year they must reapply, reporting how they have served and continued to learn during that year.

 

Certified Lay Speakers

serve in their own churches, in other churches, and through district or conference projects and programs. To be recognized as Certified Lay Speakers, they must be recommended, complete the basic course and one advanced lay speaking course, and be interviewed by the District or Conference Committee on Lay Speaking. They must report and reapply annually. They must complete at least one additional advanced course every three years.

Harrisonburg District

has 55 certified Lay Speakers and 32 Local Church Lay Speakers. Lay Speakers perform a vital ministry for the district, often called upon in emergencies and with short notice to lead services and to share the gospel message. On the Harrisonburg District some charges could not have services each Sunday without the dedicated efforts of this faithful group of men and women.

Lay Speaking courses are typically held in various locations in Virginia during the spring and fall. Each course consists of ten classroom hours. This may be offered as a three session schedule, a two session schedule, or a weekend retreat. Each Spring, an extensive weekend school for Lay Speakers is held at the Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center in Blackstone. The Basic Course and a choice of ten or more Advanced Courses are offered each year.  Feel free to contact Rev. Edward Pruitt, District Superintendent or Judy Liskey, Chairperson, District Committee on Lay Speaking or any member of the Committee.

 Lay Speaking Classes

District Basic Lay Speaking Class

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Location  --Keezletown UMC

Instructor ~ Glen Langston

required Basic application form download here

District Advanced Lay Speaking Class

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Location  -- St Peter's

Instructor ~ Bob Talbott

required Advanced Application form download here

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Annual Lay Speakers Banquet

Thursday, September 4, 2008

6 pm Social Time  ~ 6:30 pm Dinner

Traditions Family Style Dining
625 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Lay Speakers are guest of the District.  All others $12.53 per person

Register prior to August 27, 2008
by contacting Sara (540) 298-7958 or
Email: umfaithalive@comcast.net

 

District Lay Speaking Committee

Chairperson Sara Worley 1734 Rolling Creek Lane Elkton, Va 22827 (540)298-7958 Email: umfaithalive@comcast.net
	Glen Early (540) 896-6812	Barbara Espenhorst (540) 743-1582	Rodney Bussard (540) 248-1416
	David Stewart (540) 943-7483	Steve Judd (540) 860-1498	Liz McCammon (540) 828-0132
	EX OFFICIO'S
	District Lay Leader Becky Breeding 875 Bailey Rd Ft. Defiance, VA 22844 (540) 363-5905	District Superintendent Rev. Edward Pruitt 32 South Gate Court Suite 102 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540)433-2382	District Program Director D. Glen Langston 32 South Gate Court Suite 102 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540)433-2382