A lay speaker is a position in the United Methodist Church for the laity.
Technically, a lay speaker is a “member of a local church … who is ready … to serve the Church... and is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures ... and the UMC”UMC website, Glossary: Lay Speaker Generally, lay speakers are UMC leaders on local, district, and conference levels. Lay speakers often lead worship services when a minister is not available.
There are two types of lay speakers: local lay speakers and certified lay speakers.North Carolina UMC website, How to Become a Certified Lay Speaker Local lay speakers need only take one basic course and serve in their local congregation only. Certified lay speakers must initially take six classes California-Nevada UMC website, Certified Lay Speakers and continue their education once every three years.Baltimore-Washington UMC website, Certified Lay Speakers They may serve churches of which they are not members.
See also Laity Lay reader Methodist local preacher
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