The staff or pastor-parish relations committee (S/PPRC) and the church council have important roles to play in the discernment and ministry review processes for the certified lay minister (CLM).

Role of S/PPRC and Church Council during the CLM’s Discernment

• The S/PPRC may meet with the CLM candidate during discernment to discuss the needs of the church and to discuss and affirm the CLM’s call to ministry.
• The church council has the responsibility of assessing the CLM’s gifts and graces and discussing with the CLM their calling to this ministry.
• The church council or charge conference affirms the CLM’s call by their written recommendation on the CLM’s application.

Role of S/PPRC and Church Council during the CLM’s Review and Recertification

• Every year, the CLM will review the ministry covenant with their mutual ministry team and present that review to the church council as a part of the charge conference package.
• Every two years, the church council, S/PPRC, or charge conference will conduct a ministry review as a part of the CLM’s recertification process. Guidelines for Ministry Covenant and Ministry Review

Video for Members of S/PPRC and Church Council:

To learn more about certified lay ministry and the role of S/PPRC and church council, watch this video from Conference Lay Leader John Hall:

The support, encouragement, and affirmation of the S/PPRC and church council are important to the success and the growth of the CLM and their area of ministry. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about certified lay ministry and your role as a part of the team!

If you have any questions, reach out to your district director of Lay Servant Ministries or contact Josey Snyder, josey.snyder@nccumc.org, Associate Director of Leadership Development and Christian Formation for the North Carolina Conference.