Discernment and Preparation

With a new CLM cohort beginning each fall, spring and summer become important seasons for prayer, discernment, conversation, and preparation. These steps are not strictly linear, but together support ongoing discernment for those exploring a call to certified lay ministry.

1. Talk to your pastor about your sense of calling and invite your pastor into conversation about the role of clergy mentor in the certified lay ministry process.
2. Read the book, The Christian as Minister. This denominational resource is part of the shared discernment process for those exploring a call to lay or ordained ministry. It outlines the range of ministry vocations in The United Methodist Church and helps ground discernment in the broader life of the church. As you read, discuss the book with your pastor as part of your ongoing discernment about ministry and calling. The book can be purchased online, and many pastors already have a copy available to share.
3. Attend a Day of Discovery event (recommended). This event, typically held in May, introduces Lay Servant Ministries more broadly and includes an optional information session for those exploring certified lay ministry. Those planning to apply to the CLM Candidate Training Program are strongly encouraged to attend.
   
   Note: If you miss this event in the year you hope to apply, email lsm@nccumc.org to request recordings or other ways to learn more.
4. Register for Lay Servant Ministries Prerequisite Classes. Certified lay ministry builds on the foundation of becoming a certified lay servant, which begins with completing the Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries. Any class can help in forming connections with other laity across the conference and discerning your next steps. The following three courses are offered every summer (Zoom) and are required prerequisites for completing the CLM Candidate Training Program. Find upcoming classes.
   • Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries
   • Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (History)
   • Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (Polity)

Applying to the CLM Candidate Training Program

Formation in the CLM Cohort

1. Safer Sanctuaries: CLM candidates are required to complete a Safer Sanctuaries training approved for CLM credit. The NC Conference Safer Sanctuaries committee typically offers trainings twice a year, once in-person during the summer and once on Zoom in January. Participants are encouraged to purchase or acquire the Safer Sanctuaries book as part of their preparation for the class.
2. Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI): A short inventory, with a debrief on Zoom. (Register here – CLMs should request the conference scholarship to cover the cost of this inventory and debrief).
3. Anti-Bias Training: All CLMs are asked to take the GCORR Implicit Bias course or a course of their choice from the GCORR R2 Hub. These courses are self-paced and can be completed at any time. Registration fees range from $20 to $75. Participation in the conference’s HEART program also meets this requirement for CLMs.
4. Background Check and Mental Health and Wellbeing Assessment: During the course of the program, CLM candidates will also complete a background check ($25) and mental health and wellbeing assessment ($125 contribution from CLM candidate – the Board of Laity covers the remaining $125).
5. Coursework: Complete the four modules of the CLM Candidate Training Program (usually September through April). Each module is $30, plus the cost of materials. Note that the BeADisciple versions of these modules are not accepted as an alternative to the NC Conference Candidate Training Program.
6. Ministry Plan Presentation: At the end of the CLM Candidate Training Program, each candidate presents a ministry plan that reflects how their gifts and calling may be lived out in a ministry setting as a certified lay minister. Presentations take place during the final cohort gathering.