CERTIFIED LAY MINISTer PROGRAMS

What is a Certified Lay Minister?

A Certified Lay Minister is a professing member of a local congregation who has successfully completed an approved program of study, including required coursework in Wesleyan theology and the polity of the Global Methodist Church. Following the completion of this training and with the endorsement of their local church, they are formally recognized to serve in ministry as part of the laity.

Certified Lay Ministers may serve in a wide range of ministry settings, including teaching, preaching, evangelism, worship leadership, congregational care, and other areas of church life. They remain lay members, and as such, are not appointed by a bishop or presiding elder. However, a bishop or presiding elder may request that a Certified Lay Minister serve beyond their home congregation when ministry needs arise.