Lay Servant Ministries Annual Report

Thank you for all the great work you are doing in your congregations. To keep your certification current, Certified Lay Servants will need to complete an advance course every three years, and a Certified Lay Minister requires 10 hours of continuing education annually. "Those that I serve deserve my best educated and intentional service in ministry."

Thank you for completing the annual report

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* 1. Demographic Information

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* 2. You have my permission to publish my email and phone number in the Dakotas Conference Journal in print and online

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* 3. New or Renewal of Certification

Certified Lay Servant: A Certified Lay Servant serves the local church or charge through leadership, assists and supports. 
  1. Obtain recommendation from the pastor and the church council or charge conference of the local church or other United Methodist Ministry in which he/she holds membership
  2. Complete the  Discernment Retreat (Basic Course)
  3. Applied to and had qualification reviewed by the DCOM on Lay Servant Ministries or equivalent structure (Para.668.3)
  4. Complete advanced course every three years

 Certified Lay Speaker: The role of a Certified Lay Speaker is a specific calling for ministry of pulpit supply.
  1. Must first be Certified Lay Speaker
  2. Obtain recommendation from the pastor and the church council or charge conference of the local church he/she holds membership
  3. Complete a track study including courses on leading worship, leading prayer, preaching, United Methodist heritage and polity. All requirements are met by attending the Lay Speaking Retreat held annually through the Dakotas Annual Conference. 
  4. Interviewed by the District Committee for approval and certification

Certified Lay Minister: The role of a Certified Lay Minister serves as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person. 
  1. Attend Discernment Retreat
  2. Submit "Call Statement" or interest to District Superintendent for approval
  3. Pastor and charge conference approval
  4. Complete certification as a Lay Servant (by taking advanced course)
  5. Complete required training (modules 2-4) available annually through the Dakotas Annual Conference Licensing School
  6. Endorsement by appropriate District Committee on Ordained Ministry
  7. File annual report with documentation of 10 hours of continuing education annually

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* 4. Certification:

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* 5. Date and name of last course taken

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* 6. Ministries of the Certified Lay Servant/Certified Lay Minister:

Please recount your activity this past year as part of the Lay Servant Ministries. Include the number of worship services you have led, teaching/speaking/leadership opportunities; whether you are serving on committees or boards in your church, district, conference or local community agencies; and other caring ministries, such as visitation, volunteer in mission or other ways in which you have extended the ministry of the church:

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* 7. Personal/Spiritual Growth:

What has helped you this past year to grow in your faith, improve your understanding of scripture, gain a greater understanding of The United Methodist Church or to improve your skills as part of the Lay Servant Ministries? (Please include bible studies, books read, seminars, workshops, etc.)

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* 8. What recommendation can you give to the Lay Servant Ministries program in the Dakotas. Conference that would help us make you more effective as a Certified Lay Servant Leader or Certified Lay Minister?

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* 9. By marking answers below you are requesting a copy of your survey to be emailed to you for signature from yourself and from your Pastor. 

Once signatures have been obtained please send signed copy to:
Dakotas Annual Conference
Attn: Leadership Development Office
PO Box 460
Mitchell, SD 57301

Signatures:

Applicant signature and date:


Pastor's signature and date:

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