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Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries – 6 Weeks!

The Capital district Lay Servant Ministries team presents the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries with James Bernstein…

Please plan to join all six sessions. If you must miss a session, let the facilitator know in advance and we can record the session for you. Anyone who misses more than one session of the course will not receive LSM credit.

September 22, 2025 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

September 29 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
October 13 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
October 20 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
October 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
November 3 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Zoom

$15

Course scholarships are available to those in need of financial assistance. Scholarships reduce the cost of a course to $5. Please contact your district director or lsm@nccumc.org.

About the Course: This is an overview course that provides helpful background for all laypersons in service in the church and community. It is also required for all who pursue recognition in Lay Servant Ministries. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It explores:

  • personal spiritual gifts;
  • servant leadership;
  • each leader’s role in developing future leaders;
  • the importance of consistent spiritual practices;
  • the core ministries of Leading, Caring, and Communicating.

Order Your Book!

All participants are expected to read the Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book, by Sandy Jackson and Brian Jackson, prior to taking this course.

For questions about the course, please contact district directors Janet Groberski (jgroberski@nccumc.org) or James Bernstein (jbernstein@nccumc.org)

To receive credit for a Zoom course, full attention and presence are required. Whether online or in person, staying engaged with the group and fully focused ensures the best learning experience. Zoom classes are interactive—expect breakout rooms, activities, and group discussions throughout the session.

We regret that we are unable to issue refunds or credits of registration fees.

About the Facilitator:

James Bernstein is a member of Soapstone UMC in Raleigh and has served in many roles
including mission team leader, youth Sunday school teacher, kitchen volunteer, and liturgist.
James became a certified lay speaker in 2017, has spoken at a number of churches in the district,
and regularly preaches at a retirement community (3rd and 5th Sundays). His messages typically
speak to the practical Christian life or use the lectionary. He has taught the LSM Basic
Course/UM101 a number of times. He works in the pharmaceutical industry and enjoys the
outdoors.