Have you planned your small group offerings for this year? Consider joining United Methodist congregations from across our conference in offering UM101!
UM101 is the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries. In the past, this course has only been available to those who register and pay to join a district-led Lay Servant Ministries class. Now, you can teach this curriculum as a regular small group study (or weekend retreat!) in your congregation.
Your NC Conference Lay Servant Ministries team invites and challenges all congregations to offer UM101. All laity who complete the course with their congregation can receive official Lay Servant Ministries credit and will be halfway toward certification as a certified lay servant!
Join us to revitalize laity across our connection and help your congregation members understand more deeply what it means to be United Methodist and to respond to God’s call as laity. When you accept the challenge, we’ll add your church to our website where we’ll list every church that is committing to offer UM101 for their congregation.
How it Works / Some FAQs
What is UM101?
This is the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries, a perfect introduction to anyone who wants to learn more about the United Methodist Church and what it means to be a layperson actively engaged in ministry. The course covers the three core categories of Lay Servant Ministries: Leading, Caring, and Communicating; it also emphasizes ministry in daily life and sharing faith stories.
Who should teach the class?
Whoever normally might teach a Bible study or other small group class in your church! One option we recommend is having the pastor and lay leader partner to facilitate the course together, but churches can make these choices however they see fit. If your congregation already has a certified lay servant, certified lay speaker, or certified lay minister, we also encourage that layperson to be involved in leading the class!
Is there a fee to register?
No! Since the district is not running the course, there is no need to pay a registration fee to the district. The church can choose to purchase the books for participants or to ask participants to obtain their own copy of the book.
How long is the class?
All Lay Servant Ministry classes are designed as 10-hour courses. We recommend dividing the class into multiple, shorter sessions with a devotion/worship time included in each session. The Leader Guide is structured for five 2-hour sessions. When Moyock UMC piloted this opportunity, they opted for 7 shorter sessions that fit within the pattern of a small group study they already offered.
How do we get started?
Click the red button in this email to visit our website and learn more about this opportunity, the course content, and the books for participants and leaders. Then, fill out our form to “Accept the Challenge!” and commit to offering UM101 in your congregation. Your district director of Lay Servant Ministries will reach out to you to answer any questions you have and offer support.
Will districts still offer the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries?
Yes! Your district directors in Lay Servant Ministries work hard to provide classes that meet the needs of laity in our conference and across our connection. This year’s plan includes several offerings of the basic class, two or more offerings of each course required to become a certified lay speaker, plus several additional advanced courses. See all upcoming and anticipated courses. If you want to learn more about the basic course before teaching it in your congregation, we encourage you to sign up for a district-led course!