Lay Ministry in the Heartland
The Heartland Conference in dedicated to empowering laity for local mission and ministries through educational opportunities. The 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
SAVE THE DATE!
This starting course in the Lay Ministers curriculum is required to become certified. 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 an in-person Lay Ministry Foundations training held on November 6-7 at Belle Plaine GMC, 124 E. 10th Ave., Belle Plaine, KS. Must attend both days to complete the course. Register here.
There will be an in-person Lay Ministry Foundations training and the advanced Congregational Care and Listening training both held on November 13-14 at Evangel Church, 227 Pennsylvania Ave. in Holton, KS. Must attend both days to complete the course. Register here.
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 Lay Ministries Foundations course, one additional advanced training course is required for certification. These courses are under development.
SAVE THE DATE!
An advanced course in Listening and Congregational Care is now available and will be held on November 13-14 at Evangel Church, 227 Pennsylvania Ave. in Holton, KS. Register here. Must attend both days to complete the course.
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)
International Leadership Institute (ILI) trainings have been approved by the Heartland Board of Ministry as advanced courses in lay ministry 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 May 2027! We will have a 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 lay ministry courses? Email us!
For easy sharing, here is a quick-reference FAQ document about Certified Lay Ministry.
CLM Application
Use this application to move forward with your goal to become a Certified Lay Minister.
Certified Lay Minister Application
A yearly renewal form will be available for Charge Conference use. Will link here when it is available or look for it in the charge conference information Fall 2026.