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Mission Rivers District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
Fall 2026 – Virtual Classes
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
Valley Ridge District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
Lay Servant Training (In Person)
September 19, 2026
The next Valley Ridge District Lay Servant Ministry Training will be held September 19 at Greenville UMC. The training will be held from 8:30am-4:30pm. Each course requires 2-4 hours of advanced reading. This opportunity allows lay persons to fulfill the Book of Discipline requirements for certification as a Certified Lay Servant, work toward becoming a Certified Lay Speaker, or maintain their certification by completing a required advanced course.
The cost is $15, which covers snacks and lunch. Payment can be made in advance either virtually or by check mailed to the Valley Ridge District Office (26 Orr Drive, Fishersville VA 22939), or on the day of the event with exact cash only.
Please complete the registration form below to secure your spot. REGISTER
For registration questions: contact Rev. Tim Gearheart at timgearheart@vaumc.org.
For questions about the training: contact Rev. Paige Swaim-Presley at paigeswaim@vaumc.org.
BASIC LAY SERVANT COURSE
Instructor: Rev. Warren Carswell (from Genesis UMC)
This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and 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. (from Lay Servant Ministries Catalog 2025, UMC Discipleship Ministries)
Text: The Upper Room Store & Resource Library – Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book
ADVANCED COURSES:
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Instructor: Tammy Burdick, Mountain View
By reading, discussing, and engaging in practical exercises, participants will discover that God gives spiritual grace gifts for two purposes: one, to uniquely serve on a personal level, and two, how gifts and the gifts of others work together in their church for the common good. (from LSM Catalog 2025)
Text: For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts
PUBLIC PRAYER
Instructor: Rev. Jonathan Greer, Pastor at Cherryvale UMC
Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and enrich their personal prayer life. (from LSM Catalog 2025)
Shenandoah River District
Lay Servant Ministry Training
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Strasburg United Methodist Church
114 W. Washington Street, Strasburg, VA 22657
Four classes are being offered:
Basic Course (Free!)
Leading Worship
Leading Preaching
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century
The cost for each class is $20, with the exception of the Basic Class.
Those who register for the Basic Class are eligible for a refund with the purchase of their required book. Simply email a copy of your receipt to ShenandoahRiverDistrict@vaumc.org, along with your mailing address, and we will send you a refund.
Lunch will be provided, with a free-will offering.
Register for your class and to learn more about the books or reading materials required for each class.
For registration questions contact the district office at shenandoahriverdistrict@vaumc.org
For training questions please contact Pastor Raini Newman at raini.newman0210@gmail.com
Scholarships are available, if needed.