This has been an extremely challenging time for the church and for each one of us. There has been loss, change, and challenges for each one and for our churches.
We are the people of Good News! We have learned how to be more creative with our time and our gifts than we ever would have assumed. We can be part of the healing and return to joy.
One of the ways is to become informed, encouraged, and inspired laity through School for Lay Ministry (SLM). Now, more than ever, we need people who understand what it is to be United Methodist, to discern why we believe what we profess as United Methodists, and to share our love of Christ with others in our church and community.
If you would like to apply for the School for Lay Ministry, please apply here. There are two forms, one is if you want to take one class and another is to enroll in the three year School. The classes are open to all laity and to all clergy—even if you have not been involved in SLM before.
Apply for School for Lay Ministry →
All classes are online and on a Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be a pre-assignment and a paper to write after the class. Tuition for each class is $100.00. The syllabus can be found here.
The Board of Laity will fund up to $240 annually towards class tuition for the current year. If you would like to apply for Scholarship Assistance for the School of Lay Ministry, please apply here. Please be sure to apply 30-60 days prior to your first class date to allow enough time for processing your application.
Apply for SLM Scholarship Assistance →
Upon completing the 12 classes, the designation of Lay Servant is achieved and is the basis for going on to become Lay Speaker and/or Certified Lay Minister. This can be done in two years. Most importantly, though, the student will have gained education, friends across the Conference, and the ability to be an even better church member and follower of Christ.
Course schedule for 2023:
Jan. 21 — Basic
Feb. 11 — Shaping the Prayers of the People
March 11 — Stewardship, Christian Ethics, and Conflict
April 22 — Methods of Biblical Interpretation
Sept. 16 — Sharing the Faith
Oct. 28 — Missions and Social Concerns
Our prayer is that you will consider joining us. Please direct any questions/comments to Lynn Calvert, slmdean70@gmail.com or Kate Kitzman at slm.iaumc@gmail.com.