Lay Ministry in the Heartland
The Heartland Conference in dedicated to empowering laity for local mission and ministries through educational opportunities. The Certified Lay Ministry School is open to all lay members whether they are seeking certification or just wish to learn more about being leaders in the Global Methodist Church.
Foundations
This starting course in the Certified Lay Ministers curriculum is required to become a CLM. By the end of this course, you will have a firm foundation and understand the essentials of the Bible (scripture), how the Global Methodist Church came to be (our history), what we believe (our theology), and how we are organized (our polity).
The next CLM training opportunity will be hosted by Sabetha Methodist Church at 806 Main St., Sabetha, KS 66534, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. This will include the CLM Foundations Course and a new advanced CLM course in Listening and Congregational Care.
Click here to register for either course.
Click here for course information flyer including books which need to be ordered separately.
The $30 fee is non-refundable so please be sure you will participate before you fill a space others want.
Advanced CLM Courses
In addition to the CLM Foundations course, one additional advanced training course is required for certification. These courses are under development and should begin to become available in early 2026.
An advanced course in Listening and Congregational Care is now available. This is an advanced Lay Ministry course designed to build upon the foundation established in Lay Ministry Foundations. This course equips participants with practical and theological tools for caring for individuals and congregations, with an emphasis on pastoral presence, listening, confidentiality, and supporting the spiritual and emotional needs of others within the life of the church.
International Leadership Institute (ILI) trainings have been approved by the Heartland Board of Ministry as advanced courses in CLM training. Those events will be announced another area of this website and in the newsletter as they become available.
One advanced course every three years is required to maintain certification.
Annual Conference
See us at the Heartland Annual Conference in June 2026! We will have a certified lay ministy booth. Stop by to meet members of the committee and instructors and hear from those navigating the process.
Book of Doctrines and Discipline
What does the BoDD have to say about Certified Lay Ministry? Open the PDF and look for paragraphs 442 and 502.
GMC Book of Doctrines and Discipline
Contact Us
Do you have questions about Certified Lay Ministry in the GMC or about the courses? Email us!
CLM Application
Use this application to move forward with your status as a Certified Lay Minister.