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Heritage District Lay Servant Ministries

Lay Servant classes are offered twice a year through most districts in the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. See brochure for details (link below). Classes are offered for FREE to Heritage District congregations!

Zoom Only Classes

  • Life Together in the United Methodist Connection
    Do you recognize the terms “Annual Conference” or “Book of Discipline”, name an annual form/report, and identify any number of acronyms with ease? Learn the structure and organization of the UMC. This is a required class for those wanting to become a Certified Lay Speaker. Participants need access to the latest edition of the Book of Discipline during the class.
    Class Sessions: Thursdays; Sept 25, Oct 9 & 23, Nov 6 & 20 (6:30-8:30pm)
    Registration Deadline: September 19
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Amy Triebwasser & Leanne Rimnac
  • Mission Possible 3: Lay Servants Leading and Governing Congregations with Simplified Accountable Structure
    Through “Simple Accountable Structure,” clergy and laity are set free to lead with full accountability to Jesus’ Great Commission and the Charge/Church Conference of the congregation. This class emphasizes lay leadership structured for maximum missional impact.
    Class Sessions: Tuesdays; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (6-8pm)
    Registration Deadline: September 19
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Matthew West & Rick Gorham

In Person Classes

  • For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts
    The church has made spiritual gifts discernment an integral part of “Making disciples for the transformation of the world!” How do you fit into this Great Commission? This class assists participants to identify their gifts, abilities, and sense of calling to benefit not only themselves, but others. It is a required class for those wanting to become a Certified Lay Speaker.
    Class Sessions: Saturdays; Sept 27 & Oct 11 (9am-3pm)
    Location: Pinckney: Arise UMC; 1121 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney 48169 or by zoom
    Registration Deadline: September 19
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Jonathan Vitale & Steve Cary
  • Millennial Narrative: Sharing a Good Life with the Next Generation
    The lived experience of many modern young people and the Book of Joel overlap in significant ways: remembering loss and trauma; desiring community; believing in a gracious God; experiencing spiritual renewal; appreciating accountability; and a longing to help and be a blessing to others. Rediscover the book of Joel as a script that resonates with the lives of young people, then partner in abundant life with
    the next generation of witnesses.
    Class Sessions: Saturdays; Oct 11 & Nov 15 (9am-3pm)
    Location: Howell: First UMC; 1230 Bower Street, Howell 48843 or by zoom
    Registration Deadline: September 30
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Doug McMunn & Marianne McMunn
  • Download flyer: Lay Servant Classes Fall 2025
Register Online
Fall 2025 lay servant

Lay Servant classes provide laity with the opportunity for personal growth, to learn more about the United Methodist Church, and ways to provide  leadership in the church. Becoming a Certified Lay Servant requires the Basic Class, one additional class, and the recommendation of their pastor and Church Council. Renewal requires a class every three years and the same recommendation.

Certified Lay Minister

Have you thought about your calling as a layperson lately? What is God calling you to do? God calls us all, and sometimes that call is to the ministry of the laity. You can learn more from the Michigan Conference website: Lay Servant Ministries and Certified Lay Ministry

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