Steps for becoming a Certified Lay Minister
- Review The Christian as Minister with his/her local church pastor, another local pastor, ordained deacon or elder. Every pastor should have a copy of Christian as Minister. If not, then it is available from the District Office.
- Review material concerning the Certified Lay Minister available from the General Board of Discipleship (do a search for "Certified Lay Minister" – e.g. CLM Brochure, Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Lay Minister)
- Submit a letter to your district superintendent describing your sense of call and desire to become an inquiring candidate for certified lay minister. Participate in the Ministry Inquiry Process with a guide of your choosing.
- You must be a certified lay speaker.
- Meet with your pastor and S/PPRC to gain their written recommendation.
- Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry for the Introductory Interview
- Meet with your local church pastor and complete Certified Lay Ministry Module 1: Call and Covenant for Ministry – Understanding of theology and call for ministry, exploring spiritual gifts, and developing a ministry covenant. Minimum Time: 10 hours. [Contact the District Office (phdisumc@hughes.net) for a copy.]
- Receive recommendation of Church Council or Charge Conference.
- Meet with district Committee on Ordained Ministry for review and to request approval as a certified candidate for Certified Lay Minister after you have completed all of the above and:.
- Complete a Background Check Form and sends it to Detroit Annual Conference - Flint Regional Office - BOM, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy. Flint, MI 48504 (attach check, certified check or money order for $30 payable to "Detroit Annual Conference")
- Complete a notarized statement certifying that you have not been accused in writing nor convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or any incident of sexual misconduct or child abuse (Form 114). Both of these forms must be completed at least 1 month prior to meeting.
- 1) Apply for and complete the Psychological Assessment, 2) meet with psychologist, and 3) report has been received by district superintendant. [Individual Cost: $100]
- Submitt to the district Committee on Ordained Ministry written responses providing evidence of understanding and expectation concerning the following at least 4 weeks before meeting:
- The most formative experiences of your Christian life
- Your understanding of the ministries of a Certified Lay Ministry
- God's call upon you as a Certified Lay Ministry and the role of the church in your call
- Your future usefulness as a Certified Lay Minister
- Your personal beliefs as a Christian
- Your personal gifts for ministry
- Meet with district Committee on Ordained Ministry for review and information concerning Certified Lay Ministry Modules.
- Complete Certified Lay Ministry Modules 2, 3, and 4.
- Meet with district Committee on Ordained Ministry for review and to request approval as a for Certified Lay Minister after you have completed all of the above and:
- Submitt the Certified Lay Minister Application, the Certified Lay Minister Signature Form [first page complete with all signatures], and at least 3 Reference Forms
- Complete the Children, Youth & Vulnerable Persons Protection Training.
- Demonstrate appreciation of the history, polity, doctrine, worship and liturgy of The United Methodist Church through service in your local church with affirmation letter from your pastor.
- Be recommended by the District Superintendent after completion of appropriate screening.
- Submit to the district Committee on Ordained Ministry written responses to the following questions at least 4 weeks before meeting:
- How have you experienced the presence of God in your ministry?
- How would you describe your understanding of God, Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit?
- Describe the covenant of ministry you have for ministry in your setting.
- What have been your greatest accomplishments as a leader?
