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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

  • Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century
    Do you know the “Top 10 Fears of Aging?” (Loss of independence, health, money, driving, being isolated, etc.) In this course, explore the aging process and ways to develop an intentional and comprehensive ministry by, with, and for older adults.
    Class Sessions: Saturdays; April 25 & May 9 (9am-3pm)
    Registration Deadline: April 15
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Christopher Butson & Colleen Croxall

In Person Classes

  • Introduction to Lay Ministry (Basic)
     Embark on an adventure of service! Discover and develop gifts of caring, leading, and communicating ministries; putting faith into action in daily life to love God and neighbors. It is a required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Servants. Class Sessions: Saturdays; April 18 & May 2 (9:30 am-3pm)
    Location: Clinton UMC; 10990 Tecumseh Clinton Road, Clinton 49236 or by zoom
    Registration Deadline: April 8
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Michelle McCalla & Anne Hanna
  • Called to Preach
     In a safe and supportive environment, affirm your call to preach, assess and use sermon resources to prepare and present a sermon to the other class participants. “The greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell about God’s love for them in Christ.” -Billy Graham. It is a required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Speakers.
    Class Sessions: Saturdays; April 11 & April 25 (9am-2:30pm)
    Location:     North Lake UMC; 14111 North Territorial Road, Chelsea 48118 or by zoom Registration Deadline: April 1
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Trisha Farrell & To Be Determined
  • Leading Public Prayer – Let the Whole Church Say Amen
    We believe prayer changes things, so come train to be a change agent when leading prayer. Learn the elements of prayer, expansive language for God and people, and how word usage matters. John Wesley said, “Prayer is where the action is.” Come be in the center of it! It is a required class for those seeking to become Certified Lay Speakers.
    Class Sessions: Saturdays; March 14 & March 28 (9am-2:30pm) Location: Howell: First UMC; 1230 Bower Street, Howell 48843 or by zoom
    Registration Deadline: March 4
    Class Facilitators: Pastor Bob Fuchs & Rev. Loretta Job
  • Download flyer: Lay Servant Classes Spring 2026
Register Online
Spring 2026 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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