Technically, a lay speaker is a “member of a local church … who is ready … to serve the Church... and is well informed on and committed to the Scriptures ... and the UMC” UMC website, Glossary: Lay Speaker Generally, lay speakers are UMC leaders on local, district, and conference levels. Lay speakers often lead worship services when a Clergy is not available.
There are two types of lay speakers: local lay speakers and certified lay speakers. North Carolina UMC website, How to Become a Certified Lay Speaker Local lay speakers need only take one basic course and serve in their local only. Certified lay speakers must initially take six classes California-Nevada UMC website, Certified Lay Speakers and continue their education once every three years. Baltimore-Washington UMC website, Certified Lay Speakers They may serve churches of which they are not members.
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