lay speaker

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”[https://www.umc.org/en/content/glossary-lay-speaker#:~:text=A%20lay%20speaker%20is%20a,of%20The%20United%20Methodist%20Church. 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.[https://nccumc.org/laity/certified-lay-speaker/how-to-become/ 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[https://www.cnumc.org/certified-lay-speakers California-Nevada UMC website, Certified Lay Speakers] and continue their education once every three years.[https://www.bwcumc.org/ministries/certified-lay-speakers/ Baltimore-Washington UMC website, Certified Lay Speakers] They may serve churches of which they are not members.