Text of: 665-273

The Committee recommends concurrence as amended as follows:

Add new paragraph after 272; amend 273, 629.7d and 661:

Certified lay preacher assistant--In order to enhance the quality of ministry to churches of small membership and in deference to an expression of gifts and evidence of God's grace associated with the lay preacher of early Methodism, the certified lay preacher is to be recognized and utilized.

1. The certified lay assistant preacher shall preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of The United Methodist Church.

2. A Certified Lay Speaker may be certified as a lay assistant preacher by the district or conference Committee on Lay Speaking after he/she has:

a) Made application in writing to the district or conference committee on Lay Speaking, and has been recommended by the pastor of the local church where he/she holds membership and by vote of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and Charge Conference;

b) completed advanced courses on preaching, and exegesis biblical studies, and the care of the congregation;

c) Demonstrated competency in history, polity, doctrine, worship and liturgy of The United Methodist Church;

d) Indicated a willingness to comply with the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church;

e) Been recommended by the District Superintendent;

f) Appeared before the district or conference Committee on Lay Speaking for review and approval.

3. The certification as lay assistant preacher shall be activated upon assignment to a church or charge by the bishop. The lay assistant shall serve under the supervision of an ordained elder, and shall not have authority to preside over baptism, communion, confirmation, and marriage. a district superintendent, to whom the lay preacher is accountable.

4. The certified lay assistant preacher is to be reviewed annually for recertification upon satisfactory completion of a Continuing Education event approved by the district or conference committee on lay speaking. After serving two years in an assignment, the lay assistant is encouraged to pursue candidacy for licensed and ordained ministry within the United Methodist Church.

273 274. Transfer of Certification by Certified Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Assistants Preachers--A certified lay speaker or a certified lay assistant preacher who moves may transfer certification to the new district upon receipt of a letter from the previous district's committee on lay speaking confirming current certification and the date of completion of the most recent advanced course taken. Further renewal of certification is in accordance with para. 272 - 273. paras. 274 and 275.

629.7.d) To organize a conference committee on lay speaking that will fulfill the requirements of paras. 270-272 273 on behalf of the conference. This committee shall . . .

661.3. The responsibilities . . . as recommended by the General Board of Discipleship; to approve annual continuing education opportunities for certified lay assistants preachers; to decide who shall be recognized as certified lay speakers and certified lay assistants preachers; to help match lay speakers with service opportunities; and to support and affirm lay speakers and certified lay assistants preachers as they serve.

4. The district committee shall plan advanced courses for lay speaking that will enable certified lay speakers and certified lay assistants preachers to maintain certification. that recognition.

5. The district committee will report to the pastor and charge conference of each certified lay speaker and certified lay preacher the courses that have been satisfactorily completed by the certified lay speaker or certified lay preacher.

 

 

 

 

Info About Calendar Item 665-273

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