Basic Course (10-hour course)

Instructor: Rev Seungsoo “RJ” Jun

Course Description: This course is the foundation for all other Learning and Leading courses. In this course you are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship. This course offers guidelines for best practices as a church leaders and in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life.

Required Reading: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book – Upper Room Books
*This course provides Certification credit and renewal credit for Certified Lay Servants and Certified Lay Speakers.
Note: 2 hours of class time prior to class have been spent on reading the required materials for class! *This applies only to those who are working towards Lay Servant Certifications or CEU’s.

An Introduction into United Methodist Theology of Mission and Justice
(10-hour course)

Course Instructor: Rev. Jo Ann Batteiger

Course Description: In the Serving 101 course, students will have the
opportunity to gain deeper understanding around our United Methodist theology of
mission and justice, and begin to draw connections into how this theology informs
our practice. Students will be able to name and develop their skills to be leaders in
mission and justice in their respective contexts.

Required or Recommended Reading: Required reading is still being discerned
and will be sent out via email with sufficient time to complete before the course begins.

(10-hour course)

Course Instructor: Rev Nathan Decker

Course Description: Called to Preach is designed for those who have not
completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course,
and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence. Called to
Preach is the required preaching course in the lay speaker track of study.

Required Reading: From Pew to Pulpit: A Beginners Guide to Preaching
https://store.upperroom.org/product/from-pew-to-pulpit
*This course provides Certification credit and renewal credit for Certified Lay Servants
and Certified Lay Speakers.

Note: 2 hours of class time prior to class should be spent on reading the
required materials for the class! *This applies only to those who are working
towards Lay Servant Certifications or CEU’s.

(10-hour course)

Course Instructor: Rev Mina Sumpter

Course Description: Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices
of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline.
Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you embrace
the United Methodist way. “Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced,”
writes Carder in this updated edition of his 1996 bestseller. “The authenticity of
believers lie in their ability to shape people and communities into the image of
Christ and to promote holiness and happiness. …The important test of the validity
of doctrines and beliefs for United Methodists is the kind of character they
produce in individuals and communities and the actions they inspire in the
world.”

Required Reading: Living Our Beliefs The United Methodist Way by Kenneth
L. Carder — https://store.upperroom.org/product/living-our-beliefs
*This course provides Certification credit and renewal credit for Certified Lay Servants
and Certified Lay Speakers.

Note: 2 hours of class time prior to class should be spent on reading the required
materials for the class! *This applies only to those who are working towards Lay
Servant Certifications or CEU’s

(2-hour course) Friday 7:00-9:00PM
Course Instructors: Joanna Dietz and Jenn O’ Brien

Course Description: This 2-hour orientation is designed to provide information
about the two year CLM training for those who are considering a path toward
CLM. We will spend time learning expectations of becoming a CLM while
creating a network of peers who are also considering certification. If the
participants discern that they are indeed called to become CLMs, this cohort will
continue to support one another throughout the educational process (1-4 years)
while learning how CLMs are functioning in the Virginia Conference.

Suggested Reading: Roots and Routes by Randy Litchfield & Part Time is Plenty
by G. Jeffrey MacDonald.
This course qualifies as one of the courses toward CLM specialization in
Children’s Faith Formation.