United Methodist Church of Vista

What is a lay speaker?

(Discipline, Par. 266)

A lay speaker is a member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United 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. An applicant must be active in the support of the local church or charge.

Must I be a lay speaker to take a class?

No! All laity are welcome to take any class even if not applying to the Lay Speaker's program.

What is the difference between a Local and a Certified Lay Speaker?

A Local Lay Speaker supports and ministers, and also looks for leadership opportunities in own local church. Certified Lay Speakers can be utilized by other congregations as well. All Lay Speakers need to file a report with their Charge Conference every year. Certified must also take at least one Advanced course every three years to maintain certification. General Conference has said that Local must retake a Basic course every third year or an Annual Conference approved substitute.