Lay Speaking Ministriesin the Saginaw Bay District
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Local church lay speakers are members of local congregations who have successfully completed the basic course in lay speaking ministry. The basic course includes 15 hours of class time and about an equal amount of class preparation time spent outside of class. In this district, participants in the basic course prepare a 10-minute sermon that is critiqued by the instructor and other participants. However, the main focus of the basic course is for each participant to examine their call to Christian service and to learn ways in which to respond to that call.
According to the 2004 United Methodist Book of Discipline, local church lay speakers are called:
- to service in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church;
- to service in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church;
- to lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking;
- to conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship, and present sermons and addresses when requested by the pastor, district superintendent, or committee on lay speaking;
- to relate to appropriate committees and ministry areas in providing leadership for congregational and community life and fostering care-giving ministries.
To maintain status, a local church lay speaker must also submit a report and reapplication with recommendations annually, and must complete a refresher course once every three years.