About Substituting a Course
Each annual conference has the authority to approve additional classes – called exception credit – for its own use. It is important to note that the design of the courses must fit the needs of the local conference and follow the ministry guidelines of Lay Servant Ministries.
Courses must be recognized by the conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) of which the lay servant is a member, and a certificate of completion awarded.
The conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries will use the following guidelines to determine whether an alternative course will be accepted:
- The alternative course is in line with the learning objectives of courses currently in the LSM catalog.
- The content fits the LSM theme of leading, caring, and communicating.
- The course benefits the lay servant for use in their local church.
- The course provides at least 10 hours of study.
- The course is participatory and led by a facilitator qualified in the subject.
If you would like to apply to receive credit for an course as an alternative to the standard courses, please fill out the request form on this page.
All substitutions must be approved by the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries.