Do you feel called to preach—or want to be ready to step into the pulpit when your pastor is away? Our certified lay speaker courses equip laity to serve with confidence, skill, and faith-filled leadership.
If you’re considering a call to become a certified lay speaker, this winter is the perfect time to get started. This January and February, we are offering four of the six advanced courses required for certification.
Curious what lay speaking looks like in practice? Visit our Meet Our Lay Speakers page to see who is serving in your area and watch sample sermons.
All courses are open to any layperson who wants to grow in worship leadership or general ministry—whether or not you plan to pursue certification.
Registration closes soon—sign up today!
United Methodist Polity
with Tom Hallberg and Tom Santa
Jan 17, 8:30am–5pm
Hertford UMC
Register by January 1!
Leading Worship
with Shawn Blackwelder
Jan 31, 8:30am–5pm
Genesis UMC (Cary)
Register by January 15!
UM History – 2 Weeks
with Tom Santa and Janet Groberski
Feb 7 & 14, 8am–12pm
Zoom (must attend both sessions)
Register by January 22!
Public Prayer
with Jim Bolyard
Feb 21, 8:30am–5:00pm
Gibson Memorial UMC (Spring Hope)
Register by February 5!
Looking for other advanced courses?
Strengthen your preaching and communication skills with this course on storytelling, or gain ideas and inspiration for connecting with college students with our new course on campus ministry…
Dancing with Words
with Mel Pitts
Jan 24, 9am–5:30pm
Wrightsville Beach
Register by January 8!
Campus Ministry – 4 Weeks!
with Tom Greener and Ann Davis
Jan 6, 13, 20, & 27, 6:30–8:30
Zoom (must attend all sessions)
Register by December 18!