Those who feel called to certified lay ministry should first follow the process to become a certified lay servant. This is the first step for any certification through Lay Servant Ministries. Lay servants who are interested in additional training for a specific ministry can explore a variety of options from becoming a lay speaker (pulpit supply) to following one of the course pathways in a specific area of ministry related to their calling. All Christians are called to ministry and there are many ways to to respond to God’s call.

Those who feel called to the specific role of the certified lay minister should pursue the following steps:

Apply to be a CLM Candidate:

1. Talk to your pastor about your sense of calling and invite your pastor to learn more about their role in supporting you as a clergy mentor.
2. Read the book, The Christian as Minister. This book is available online or will be available as a handout at the Day of Discovery event.
3. Attend a Day of Discovery event (usually held in July). This event, while optional, is highly recommended as it provides the opportunity to meet potential cohort members, learn about the CLM cohort study track, and participate in discussions about certified lay ministry in the North Carolina Conference.
4. Application: Begin filling out your application and biographical information form.
5. Meeting and Signatures: Have your pastor request a meeting that includes the district superintendent, the pastor, members of S/PPRC, and the chair of church council to discuss the needs of the church and the suitability of your gifts as a candidate for the certified lay ministry program within the local church. Following these discussions, your application form needs to be signed by the pastor, church council chairperson, S/PPRC chairperson, and the district superintendent. (This meeting would be a good time to get the signatures of all those persons.)
6. Submit Application: Send your completed and signed application form, along with your completed biographical form, to the NC Conference office, Attn: Leah Wiebe-Smith. Your pastor also needs to complete and submit the Pastor’s Recommendation Form for Applicant (included in the Pastor Information Package). 

Training and Assessments for CLM Candidates:

1. Prerequisites: Be sure you have taken all three prerequisite courses: United Methodist History, United Methodist Polity, and Safe Sanctuaries. UM History and UM Polity are offered regularly through Lay Servant Ministries (see upcoming course offerings). The required Safe Sanctuaries is designed specifically for CLM candidates and is offered every September for those about to begin the CLM Candidate Training Program.
2. Background Check and Psychological Assessment: During the course of the program, CLM candidates will also complete a background check and psychological assessment.
3. Coursework: Complete the four modules of the CLM Candidate Training Program (usually October through April).
4. Demonstration Project: Complete a demonstration project, to be presented at the end of the fourth module of the CLM Candidate Training Program. All projects will be presented at the final cohort gathering (April).

Review and Certification:

1. DS Recommendation: Receive a letter of recommendation from your district superintendent.
2. DCOM Interview: The CLM candidate ensures that all requirements for certification have been met prior to scheduling an interview with the district committee on ordained ministry. The district committee on ordained ministry interviews the candidate and makes a recommendation to the conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries about whether to certify the candidate.
3. Final Certification: The conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries votes for final certification.

Assignment:

Once certified, the CLM is assigned by the district superintendent to provide lay servant leadership in a ministry or in a church as part of a ministry team. The CLM is accountable to the district superintendent or another ordained or licensed minister appointed to oversee the charge, who will make provision for sacramental ministry and provide guidance and mentoring (see role of clergy mentor).