The Lay Ministry Page

Wright's Church has a very active Lay Ministry. We have several Local Church as well as several Certified Lay Speakers.

Just what is a Lay Speaker and what is the Lay Speaking Ministry?

"A Lay Speaker (local church or certified) is a member of a local church who is ready and desirous to serve the Church, and who is well informed on the Scriptures, and on the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. ... "

- Book of Dicipline of the United Methodist Church

Members of the Lay Ministry take on leadership roles in their local church or charge through service on boards or committies, teaching, assisting in the worship service, or conducting part or all of the worship service when called upon to do so.

Local church Lay Speakers have completed a basic Lay Ministry course and have been recommended by their Pastor or Church Council. They are qualified and willing to assist the Pastor of their local church in the worship service, and when needed to conduct the worship service in their Pastors absence including writing and delivering the sermon or message, leading prayer, etc.

Certified Lay Speakers have completed a basic and an additional advanced Lay Ministry course, have been recommended by their local church Pastor or Church Council, and have attended an interview with the District subcommittee. They, like Local Church Lay Speakers are qualified and ready to perform all of the duties outlined above. In addition Certified Lay Speakers, in the spirit of the early Circuit Riders, are ready and able to take over the worship service for any Pastor in the district who finds he is unable to do so for reason of illness, vacation, or absence, sometimes on as little as 24 hours notice. This may include conducting the entire service, or just preparing and delivering the sermon or message.

This is an exciting and rewarding ministry to be involved in. If anyone finds that they have an interest in this type of ministry please contact Pastor Marge or any of the Lay Speakers listed below and they will be able to assist you.

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