499…

That’s how many sermons our certified lay speakers reported preaching last year.

Certified lay speakers travel across their districts—and sometimes beyond—to fill pulpits for pastors.

70 hours…

That’s how much training certified lay speakers complete before stepping into the pulpit.

Since 2012, all certified lay speakers take seven courses in Lay Servant Ministries, including courses in United Methodist history and polity, leading worship, public prayer, spiritual gifts, and—of course!—preaching.

And their learning doesn’t stop there. Certified lay speakers continue growing in their calling, taking additional courses at least once every three years.

46…

That’s how many certified lay speakers in the NC Conference are ready and eager to preach beyond their local church.

Click the buttons below to learn how to request a certified lay speaker for your church or to find out more about becoming certified yourself.