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.
Lay Ministry 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).
There will be two options for Certified Lay Ministry training held in conjunction with the Heartland Annual Conference on June 2-3, 2026, at Asbury Church – 2801 W 15th Street, Wichita, KS. Registration will begin at 12:30 pm on June 2. Training will be held 1:00-5:30 pm on June 2 and 8:30 am-noon on June 3. Must attend both days to complete the course.
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.
One advanced course every three years is required to maintain certification.
Advanced CLM Courses
In addition to the CLM Foundations course, one additional advanced training course is required for certification. These courses are under development.
An advanced course in Listening and Congregational Care is now available and will be offered prior to the Heartland Annual Conference on June 2-3. 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.
One book is required for this course and may be ordered here: Please Listen to Me: A Christian’s Guide to Reflective Listening
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.
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.