Here’s an estimate of costs for the CLM Candidate Training Program. This does not include any cost associated with the three prerequisite Lay Servant Ministries courses (Basic, History, and Polity). 

• Application / notebook with photocopied module workbooks: $30
• Access to online platform ($30/module): $120
• GCORR Implicit Bias course: $20
• Background check: $25
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Assessment: $125 [Note the Board of Laity covers the remaining $125 for this assessment.]

This estimate does not include travel (usually a day trip to cohort meetings).

The CLM candidate is responsible for all costs incurred during the training program. However, it is highly recommended that candidates work with their local congregation to explore ways the church might offset some or all of the costs. While the certified lay minister often serves in a volunteer capacity, the congregation should be encouraged to financially support the training needs of the CLM, including mileage reimbursement, ministry resources, and continuing education requirements.

In cases where the candidate and congregation are unable to cover the full expense, partial scholarships supported by the Board of Laity may be requested through the conference.

Each week, you’ll follow a regular rhythm: completing readings, posting assignments in the online forum, and responding to your cohort members’ reflections. Alongside this online work, you’ll also be actively engaging with your local congregation—building your mutual ministry team, discerning with your pastor, and planning for ministry in your context.

CLM participants report a wide range of weekly time commitments, but most spend 4–8 hours per week on coursework and ministry planning. While many candidates have completed this training while working full time, setting aside intentional, consistent time several times a week for reading, online engagement, and local relationship-building is essential to your success in the program.

The CLM training follows a hybrid model that combines online coursework through the NC Conference Online Learning Ministry with mandatory in-person group sessions. These day-long group sessions are held at the NC Conference office (700 Waterfield Ridge Place, Garner, NC).

Yes! In order to benefit everyone in the cohort and meet the requirements of the certifying body, Discipleship Ministries, full participation in all the required courses and sessions is necessary to satisfy the training requirement for certification.

The Day of Discovery, while optional, is highly recommended as it provides the opportunity to meet potential cohort members as well as participate in knowledge sessions about certified lay ministry.

While there are providers who offer shorter versions of these training modules (sometimes offered in a weekend setting or at BeADisciple.com), our conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries has determined these programs will not be accepted in the NC Conference. Other vendors may provide back-to-back training in an online format, but participants do not get the advantage of participating in a learning community to enhance their training and anchor it within the context, values, and traditions of the NC Conference.

Any training, including the additional requirements, taken through an alternate provider must be approved by the conference committee on Lay Servant Ministries prior to its engagement. If the courses have already been taken prior to enrolling in the NCCUMC candidate training program, the potential CLM must also participate in the candidate training program in order to apply learning to the conference culture and context. The ministry plan presentation and additional training requirements must also be completed.