Fall 2026 – Virtual Classes

Leading Public Prayer

Dates: August 31, September 7, September 14
Times: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Jennifer Robinson O’Brien, CLM
Book: Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey,

Description: This course provides an opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading public prayer. Using Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey, participants will be challenged to examine their assumptions, expand their understanding, and deepen their prayer life. Designed for those in the lay speaker track of study, this course encourages thoughtful reflection and practical skill development in leading prayer within the church community.

Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Public Prayer

Accountable Discipleship

Date: Evenings in the fall – September 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Rev David Hindman
Book: Accountable Discipleship: Living in God’s Household  by Steven W. Manskar

Description: This course focuses on the concept of the household of God, Scripture as divine revelation, Wesleyan understandings of grace, and the importance of the class leader in the development of the Methodist movement.

Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Accountable Discipleship

Justice in Everyday Life

Dates: September 17, 24, October 1, 8 and 15
Times: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Martha Stokes, Conference Lay Leader
Book: Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church  by Neal Christie

Description: From the Upper Room: Justice in Everyday Life, a Lay Servant Ministries advanced course, takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church — the church’s attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which it is confronted today. The book covers topics such as the following: Natural World, Social Community, Economic Community, Political Community, Biblical Foundations of the Social Principles, and Teaching the Social Principles. It is not only for Lay Servants but is for anyone interested in studying the Social Principles in greater detail.

Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Justice in Everyday Life

Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition

Date: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Carol Merante, CLM
Book: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper

Description: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition is an Advanced Studies course that explores the heart of John Wesley’s vision for the Christian life through intentional, grace-centered spiritual practices. Using Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper, participants will examine how practices such as prayer, Scripture reading, the means of grace, fasting, conferencing, and accountability shape discipleship and nurture holiness of heart and life. The course emphasizes the dynamic connection between personal devotion, Christian community, and faithful living in the world, inviting participants to reflect on their own spiritual practices while gaining tools to model and lead devotional life within their congregations and ministries.

Link to sign up: MRD LSM – Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition