There are several ways to serve within our connection as laity. We believe that through our baptism, all are called. Below you will see several ways in which you might serve as a layperson in the United Methodist Church. If you are currently serving in a lay capacity but wish to explore becoming a certified candidate, you will find more information here: https://vaumc.org/candidacy/.
Professional Certification
Professional/Paraprofessional Certification (Web page)
Certified Lay Minister
Information about Certified Lay Ministry and other lay ministry opportunities can be found at https://vaumc.org/lay-servant-ministries/
Information about Certified Lay Minister Interview (pdf)
Lay Supply
Lay Supply Minister & Certified Lay Minister Guidelines (pdf)
Lay Supply Ministers Handbook (pdf)
Annual Lay Supply Orientation – The Virginia Conference Cabinet and Board of Ordained Ministry require an orientation for all new persons assigned as lay supply (ie. laity who serve as pastoral leaders for congregations). This is mandatory for all lay supply ministers in the Virginia Conference.
This year our orientation was conducted through asynchronous video segments and synchronous Zoom meetings, along with a mentoring component. If you are a continuing lay supply and have not attended previously, or if you are a first-time lay supply minister, you are expected to attend this event the next time it is offered.
Members of the Cabinet facilitate the orientation sessions and funding is provided through the Board of Ordained Ministry. If you have a scheduling conflict, please discuss this with your district superintendent.
You are also encouraged to check out the information and training opportunities offered through Lay Servant Ministries
2020 Lay Supply Orientation Agenda
July 6 — Session 1: Orientation to Ministry
Pre-recorded Video Segment for Session 1 (run time 0:11)
Notes from Lindsey Baynham on prerecorded video segment (pdf)
Zoom Session Recorded: Jul 6, 2020 (run time 1:47)
Access Password: 4v@?201!
July 27 — Session 2: Preaching
Pre-recorded Video Segment for Session 2 (Sunday, July 26)
Notes from Clarence Brown on preaching (attached PDF)
Additional Resource: The New Handbook of the Christian Year by Hickman, Saliers and Stookey
Zoom Session Recorded: Jul 27, 2020
Access Password: @y#.E3MR
August 10 — Session 3: Pastoral Care
Pre-recorded Video Segment for Session 3
Notes from Keith Vernon on pastoral care (Word)
Zoom Session Recorded: Aug 10, 2020
Access Password: cm^2%N!E
September 14 — Session 4: Administration
Connie’s pre-recorded video segment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NdAdfR5V6bVKZ-qMz2lhuYiyBVwvk2qX/view?usp=sharing
Sandra’s pre-recorded video segment: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1vfchs53xlfw3ks/Lay%20Supply%20FInal.mp4?dl=0
EVC Website Overview Video: https://youtu.be/hGs7O0uXllc
Zoom Session Recorded (Q&A format/no presentation): Sep 14, 2020 https://zoom.us/rec/share/TpHbKxNwpUe3lvGan0xoeQHanIgbkIYlrww0BkApV0kn-r-h1yC-vAOCKFu4Vujd.yUTPu0EpVCW0Ssbw
Access Password: 4.J0W*sY
You are also encouraged to check out the information and training opportunities offered through Lay Servant Ministries