All baptized Christians are called to minister to others in the Name of Christ.

In 2012 the General Conference of the United Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. There is NO Change in the process of becoming a local church or certified Lay Servant from the former lay speaker process. There was, however, a role of “Lay Speaker” added to the program, which includes specific preparation and accountability processes.

"A lay servant is a professing member of a local church who is ready and desirous to serve the Church and who is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries.

"Lay servants are to serve the local church in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of the Scriptures, doctrine, organization and ministries of the church." 2012 Book of Discipline, ¶266.1,2.

The Foothills District offers a variety of courses (Basic, Basic Refresher, Advanced and Lay Speaker Required courses) allowing ample opportunities to take the classes in this region for certification. Please contact Rev. Robbie Scott at the district office for more information.