{"id":5106,"date":"2022-03-03T14:45:27","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T19:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/?page_id=5106"},"modified":"2026-05-29T14:59:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T18:59:33","slug":"training","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/certified-lay-minister\/training\/","title":{"rendered":"Candidate Training Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"background-color:#0b0b0b;padding-left:5%;padding-right:5%;padding-bottom:10%;padding-top:10%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container gb-layout-hero-1 gb-block-container alignfull\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-container-image has-background-dim\" object-fit=\"cover\"  src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7784-scaled-e1776442424772.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/div><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:850px\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center gb-white-text\" style=\"font-size:clamp(33.419px, 2.089rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 2.828), 60px);\"><strong>Certified Lay Ministry<br>Candidate Training Program<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-large-font-size\" style=\"color:#ffffff\">A Cohort Experience for Laity who are ready to step out in faith and answer God&#8217;s call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#about\">About the Program<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#schedule\">2026-2027 Schedule<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#facilitators\">Facilitator<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#presentation\">Ministry Plan Presentations<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#faq\">FAQs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-2 gb-2-col-wideleft alignwide\" style=\"margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:2em\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"about\"><strong>About the Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The CLM Candidate Training Program is a one-year learning experience, consisting of four modules and a culminating ministry plan presentation where the CLM presents a plan for what their ministry will be in their local church setting. Modules are delivered online through the NC Conference, with five full-day group cohort sessions throughout the year. These in person sessions provide community among cohort participants and function to introduce the upcoming module and\/or complete the module just studied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All together, the training requires a minimum of 78 hours plus the ministry plan presentation. Additional requirements listed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/certified-lay-minister\/how-to-become\/\">How to Become a CLM<\/a> page (e.g. the prerequisites) are not included in this total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Becoming an effective CLM is not a matter of completing the course work as quickly as possible. Instead, it is a journey that requires discernment, learning, and ongoing reflection of what is learned. This is a journey of learning in relationship and reflecting on your call, gifts, and practices to prepare you to serve in your assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the Modules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Discipleship Ministries and The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry have worked together to develop the basic coursework, organized into four modules. In the NC Conference, we have adapted these modules into a unique experience intended to create a process for discernment and community building along-side covering important content in the following four areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-block-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\">Module 1: Call and Covenant for Ministry (6 weeks)<\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>During this module, CLM candidates will learn about the role of the certified lay minister, explore their own call to ministry, build their mutual ministry team, and lay the groundwork for understanding what it will look like to build a ministry covenant. (Note that the published workbook for module 1 includes the task of writing your ministry covenant. However, recognizing that discernment takes time, the NC Conference CLM Steering Team opted to shift material about writing the covenant to the end of Module 4 for the NC Conference CLM Candidate Training program.)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-block-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\">Module 2: The Practice of Ministry (8 weeks)<\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>The longest of the four modules, this module covers four broad topics and competencies for ministry: worship, preaching\/sharing faith, faith formation and discipleship, and caring for a congregation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-block-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\">Module 3: Organization for Ministry (4 weeks)<\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>Focus on the leader&#8217;s task of organizing a congregation for mission and ministry. It provides specific guidance on topics central to a congregation&#8217;s health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-block-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\">Module 4: Connection for Ministry (4 weeks)<\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>United Methodist theology, practice, and polity are explained with the roles of the local congregation, district, conference, and general church.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-1 one-column\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner has-theme-light-gray-background-color\" style=\"padding-top:1em;padding-right:1em;padding-bottom:1em;padding-left:1em\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"schedule\"><strong>Mark Your Calendars!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In-person cohort days are an essential part of the cohort experience. If you are interested in a future cohort, mark these dates in your calendar. All sessions are 10am-3pm in Garner. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"schedule\">2026\u20132027 Cohort Gatherings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>September 26, 2026 (orientation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 7, 2026 (Module 1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>January 30, 2027 (Module 2)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>February 27, 2027 (Module 3)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>April 10, 2027 (Module 4)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"1033\" src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/05\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/05\/image-4.png 1376w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/05\/image-4-720x541.png 720w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2026\/05\/image-4-768x577.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-slate-section-feature-image-and-text-columns gb-slate-section-feature-image-columns gb-layout-columns-1 one-column gb-has-custom-background-color gb-has-custom-text-color gb-columns-center alignfull\" style=\"padding-top:8em;padding-right:1em;padding-left:1em;background-color:#ededed;color:#1f1f1f\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\" style=\"max-width:1200px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-1 gb-1-col-equal\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-3 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"facilitators\"><strong>About the Facilitator<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_0500-edited-scaled-e1741880277830-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_0500-edited-scaled-e1741880277830-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_0500-edited-scaled-e1741880277830-75x75.jpg 75w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_0500-edited-scaled-e1741880277830-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_0500-edited-scaled-e1741880277830-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Deborah Horton, CLM<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Deborah Horton is a certified lay minister and Lay Leader at Pleasant Grove UMC in Raleigh. At&nbsp;Pleasant Grove she has served in a variety of ministries including Bible Study Leader, Sunday school teacher, Chancel Choir member, VBS leader, and Lay Leader.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After leaving the IT training world she now works as the Volunteer Coordinator at Pleasant Grove UMC. She is passionate about helping others grow in their relationship with God and using their spiritual gifts in their journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-2 gb-2-col-wideleft has-theme-white-background-color alignwide\" style=\"margin-top:3em;margin-bottom:3em;padding-top:3px;padding-bottom:3px\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"presentation\"><strong>Ministry Plan Presentation<\/strong>s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of Module 4, each CLM candidate offers a Ministry Plan Presentation that reflects how their gifts and calling will be lived out in a congregational setting as a certified lay minister. This presentation is a plan for future ministry, not a report on something already completed. It builds on the ministry covenant developed with the candidate&#8217;s clergy mentor and mutual ministry team, putting vision and practical shape to that shared commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candidates are encouraged to address questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How does this ministry reflect your call to serve as a certified lay minister, and how was it discerned with the congregation and its leadership?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the purpose of the ministry and who will it serve?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where will it take place, and what structure or approach will guide it?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What people, resources, training, or funding may be needed?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is a realistic timeline for beginning the ministry?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How might the fruit or effectiveness of the ministry be evaluated?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ministry Plan Presentations take place during the final cohort gathering. Candidates are encouraged to invite their district superintendent, clergy mentor, and others who have supported them in their discernment, including members of their congregation, friends, or family. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7785-scaled-e1709589140203-1440x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7785-scaled-e1709589140203-1440x1024.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7785-scaled-e1709589140203-720x512.jpg 720w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7785-scaled-e1709589140203-768x546.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7785-scaled-e1709589140203-1536x1092.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7785-scaled-e1709589140203.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7839-1440x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7839-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7839-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7839-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7839-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7839-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7797-1440x1080.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7797-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7797-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7797-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7797-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/03\/IMG_7797-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"faq\"><strong>Some Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-slate-section-accordion-and-text gb-slate-section-text-accordion gb-layout-columns-2 gb-2-col-equal has-white-background-color gb-has-custom-text-color gb-columns-center alignfull\" style=\"padding-top:3em;padding-right:2em;padding-bottom:3em;padding-left:2em;color:#1f1f1f\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\" style=\"max-width:1140px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"239\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2013\/03\/lsm4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2013\/03\/lsm4.jpg 239w, https:\/\/nccumc.org\/laity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2013\/03\/lsm4-150x146.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 239px) 100vw, 239px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-slate-accordion gpb-rounded-md gb-block-accordion gb-font-size-20\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\"><strong>What does it cost?<\/strong><\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>Here\u2019s an estimate of costs for the CLM Candidate Training Program. <em>This does not include any cost associated with the three prerequisite Lay Servant Ministries courses (Basic, History, and Polity).<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Application \/ notebook with photocopied module workbooks: $30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to online platform ($30\/module): $120<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GCORR Implicit Bias course: $20<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Background check: $25<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mental Health and Wellbeing Assessment: $125 <em>[Note the Board of Laity covers the remaining $125 for this assessment.]<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This estimate does not include travel (usually a day trip to cohort meetings).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-slate-accordion gpb-rounded-md gb-block-accordion gb-font-size-20\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\"><strong>Who pays for my training? Are scholarships available?<\/strong><\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#1f1f1f\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#1f1f1f\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-slate-accordion gpb-rounded-md gb-block-accordion gb-font-size-20\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\"><strong>How much time should I expect to spend on coursework each week?<\/strong><\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>Each week, you\u2019ll follow a regular rhythm: completing readings, posting assignments in the online forum, and responding to your cohort members\u2019 reflections. Alongside this online work, you\u2019ll also be actively engaging with your local congregation\u2014building your mutual ministry team, discerning with your pastor, and planning for ministry in your context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CLM participants report a wide range of weekly time commitments, but most spend <strong>4\u20138 hours per week<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-slate-accordion gpb-rounded-md gb-block-accordion gb-font-size-20\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\"><strong>Where are the classes held?<\/strong><\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>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).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-slate-accordion gpb-rounded-md gb-block-accordion gb-font-size-20\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\"><strong>Do I have to attend all of the classes?<\/strong><\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-accordion gb-slate-accordion gpb-rounded-md gb-block-accordion gb-font-size-20\"><details><summary class=\"gb-accordion-title\"><strong>Is there another way I can take the required module?<\/strong><\/summary><div class=\"gb-accordion-text\">\n<p>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 <strong>not be accepted<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some Frequently Asked 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