It is suggested that teachers of this class shall be lay or clergy in connection with a United Methodist Church congregation. Upon completion of this class, a certificate stating this fact shall be signed by the District Superintendent and the class teacher, and shall be forwarded to the pastor of the student for presentation during a worship service. The District Director of Lay Speaking may want to send an accompanying letter to the pastor describing the class and the self-assessment tool completed by the student with the hope that the ministries discovered may be used by the local church. To keep this certification, a student must annually file a report with his or her local charge conference and complete another lay speaking class within three years; it is strongly suggested that an advanced class on preaching be taken if the student wants to be considered for pulpit supply even if only on a local level.
ADVANCED CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER – To gain this certification, a student must have first completed a Basic Class in Lay Speaking, continue to annually file a report with his or her local charge conference, and take an advanced class in lay speaking [minimum ten hours class time] at least once every three years. It is suggested that such advanced classes be with pupils and teachers in a face-to-face situation in order to preserve and advance our “connectional” purpose. If an advanced certified lay speaker wants to be on a district pulpit supply list, he or she must take a class on Preaching.
It is suggested that all lay speakers continue their own personal spiritual growth by taking part in such activities as Disciple Bible Class, Companions in Christ, Walk to Emmaus, Lay Academy , Faith Alive, School of Christian Mission , & Five Day or Two Year Academy for Spiritual Formation.
{FOR LOCAL CHURCHES -- It is suggested that an honorarium be paid to pulpit supply laity on the day of service.}