Some people who took Basic or Advance Courses (through the District or School of Lay Ministry) thought that after completing a Course or Courses that they are automatically certified as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. Certification is separate from the training. If one is applying to become Certified Lay Servant, he/she must complete Basic Course and one Advance Course, fill up application form for Certified Lay Servant (not Certified Lay Speaker form), request recommendation and signature of pastor, and also request recommendation of Charge Conference or Administrative Board. Application will be reviewed by the Director, and then approval by the District Lay Servant Ministries.
If one is applying to become Certified Lay Speaker, he/she must be a Certified Lay Servant; completed six Advance Courses, filled up application form for Certified Lay Speaker, requested recommendation and signature of pastor and requested recommendation of Charge Conference or Administrative Board. Application form is reviewed by the Director, interviewed by the District Committee, and approved by the Conference Lay Servant Ministries.
Recertification for both Certified Lay Servant and Certified Lay Speaker is every 3 years. One Advance Course is completed during the last 3 years before applying for recertification. Fill up appropriate form, request recommendation of pastor and Charge Conference or Administrative Board. Certified Lay Speaker is interviewed by the District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries and recommended to the Conference Lay Servant Ministries for approval.
To keep one’s status, a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker must seek renewal of certification every 3 years.
Pastors and churches should only invite Certified or Recertified Lay Servant or Lay Speaker to lead worship service.