Certified Lay Minister Manual Great Plains United Methodists Small Membership Church Ministries Rev. Micki McCorkle, Coordinator December 2, 2013
Certified Lay Minister Manual Contents Program Overview... 3 Basic Procedures... 5 Application For Certified Lay Minister Training Program... 6 Certified Lay Minister Course Registration... 8 Page 2 of 7
Certified Lay Minister Manual Program Overview The Certified Lay Ministry Program Mission is to train lay people for the work of Certified Lay Ministers (CLM). The courses will help equip and empower CLM s to provide leadership in small membership churches as pastors; or pastor s assistants in the areas of pastoral care, Christian education, administrative assistants in larger congregations. Our Vision is to be a lay education center for certified lay ministry through quality classes, workshops, and other resources which help CLMs and lay leadership lead the congregation in fruitful ministry. We Value small membership churches ministries of sharing God s love and grace with neighbors in their communities and world. We value lay people who are called to serve as leaders in small membership churches. To become a CLM, the lay person will be recommended by her or his district superintendent and go through an introductory module with the DS. This module includes exploring one s calling and spiritual gifts and developing a mutual ministry team with whom the lay person will work in the local congregation. After this module is complete, the lay person must pass 10 courses and be approved by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM). A student is responsible for visiting with the District Superintendent to begin the DCOM process as well as to initiate the introductory module. To begin training, the student needs to apply to the Coord. of the CLM program, Rev. Micki McCorkle, mmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org. Online applications are available at www.greatplainsumc.org/clm. The Great Plains United Methodists in partnership with the Rev. Dr. Carl Ellis have created courses that will help lay people develop a base for leadership in the small membership church. When a student completes the CLM courses, he or she will be able to articulate the faith in written and verbal form. The 10 required courses are offered via web classes or a blended web/classroom experience. Scripture and Biblical Interpretation Old Testament Scripture and Biblical Interpretation New Testament Preaching Worship Pastoral Care United Methodist History and Polity United Methodist Theology and Doctrine Mission and Social Concerns Evangelism Leadership and Administration Page 3 of 7
Certified Lay Minister Manual Basic Procedures Follow the syllabus Each CLM Course has a syllabus. Pre class and post class assignments Each student will be required to write a reflection paper on the book or articles they have been assigned to read. The student will be required to write a four to six page paper for the class. Writing Guidelines Students are asked to have their work typed with a 12 point type, one inch margins, and double spaced. Footnotes and accurate documentation is required. If a student wishes to hand write a paper they need to ask the facilitator s permission. If you cannot type your paper, please find someone who can type it for you. Rewrites A student may be requested to rewrite their paper. If a rewrite is requested a list of specific areas the student needs to address will be shared with the student. Class Times Students have one week to complete each week s reading and assignments. The student may work at a time that is convenient to their situation. When there is a Saturday class, students are to be present for the entire class. If a student has an emergency and needs to leave early, it is at the discretion of the instructor whether the student will receive credit for the class. If a student misses a session the facilitator may ask the student to do an extra assignment. Grades All classes will be pass/fail. At the end of the class students should have a working knowledge of the content covered in the course and be able to articulate what they have learned. Students with Disabilities Those who have disabilities will contact the CLM coordinator who will find accommodations to help the student. Page 4 of 7
Application for Certified Lay Minister Training Program Great Plains Conference Name Date Street City State Zip Home phone Cell phone Work phone Date of birth Email address Marital status Children Education Name of School Dates attended Degree or credit hours High school High school College College Graduate school Other Employment (add pages as necessary) Local Church Describe your involvement in the local church (add pages as necessary).
Essay Write and attach one to two pages explaining your reasons for enrolling in the Certified Lay Ministry Training Program. References Have your pastor and district superintendent send a letter in support of your application. Name of Pastor Name of DS Safe Gatherings Certification Are you certified through the conference as a worker with children, youth, and adults with disabilities? Yes No If you answered no, we recommend that you complete the training and certification at www.safegatherings.com. If you answered yes, what was the date of your training? Background check and Psychological Evaluation If your district superintendent has assigned you to a local congregation, you must take the conference psychological assessment and the background check. Have you taken the conference psychological assessment? If so, when? Have you taken the Oxford background check? If so when? Date of training Signature of Applicant Date Signed
Certified Lay Minister Course Registration Name Date Street City State Zip Home phone Cell phone Work phone Church Email address Name of Course Dates of Course Location of Course Please indicate your reasons for taking the above course(s). I am currently enrolled in the Certified Lay Minister Program I am taking this course for continuing education I am taking this course to further develop my gifts and graces Other (please explain) Please send your registration via email and pay online at www.greatplainsumc.org/clm if at all possible. If you cannot register and pay online, send this form with a check made out to Great Plains Area with CLM in the memo to our Wichita office, c/o Micki McCorkle, 9440 E. Boston, Ste. 110, Wichita, KS 67207. Total cost for each course is $75. Signature Date Signed