Lay Servants are to serve the local church or charge in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This includes the interpretation of scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church. While one doesn't have to be certified to serve, there are opportunities for those who feel called to become certified. One of the strengths of our connectional system is the trainings we offer.

________________________________________
Basic Lay Servant Course
This course will help laity explore and discover their unique call to serve God, neighbor, and the greater church. It is foundational for all courses in lay servant ministries and must be taken by everyone seeking certification as a lay servant, lay speaker, or lay minister.  Required pre-reading text:  Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course • 10 slots per class.

Called to Preach (Advanced Course)
Called to Preach is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course, and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence. Called to Preach is the required preaching course in the lay speaker track of study.  Required pre-reading text:  From Pew to Pulpit and also watch these videos  • 10 slots per class.

Instructor:  Rev. Michael Parker, II 
________________________________________

Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts (Advanced Course)
This course helps participants understand spiritual gifts and how the church can use them to fulfill its mission and ministry. Participants will also learn what it means to be a spiritual leader and will be equipped to lead others in exploring and using their spiritual gifts. For more information on providing this course for the deaf and hard of hearing, please contact The United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Ministries at: UMDeaf.org.  Required pre-reading text:  Each One a Minister • 10 slots per class.

Instructor:  Irene Prabhu Das 
________________________________________

Transforming Evangelism (Advanced Course)
This course leads participants to learn from John Wesley how to practice relational evangelism. They will discover that evangelism involves not only sharing our faith with others but also welcoming people into a community where they can grow in faith.  Required pre-reading text:  Transforming Evangelism • 10 slots per class.

Instructor:  Rev. Brian Jackson
________________________________________ 

General Information
~The course will be held in-person at First UMC of Hyattsville (6201 Belcrest Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20782).  
~No absences are permitted for 2-day classes.
~Cost: $40 per class. This does not include the required text.
~Registration: Online only.
~Registration deadline is August 4, 2025.
~Light refreshments provided for breakfast on August 9.  Lunch on your own on both days.

Class Schedule (10-hour course)
Saturday, August 9, 9am–5pm 
Sunday, August 10, 2-5pm 

Questions About Registration
Contact Carol Travis (301-908-6501/ ) 

Questions About Classes
Contact Lay Servant Directors Pamela Plummer Matthews (240-498-4520/ ) or Carol Travis (301-908-6501/ )

Other Classes and Locations
Classes may be taken at any BWC District Lay Servant Academy or online at BeADisciple.com. For additional information on lay servant classes, download the Lay Servant Ministries Catalog. 

Lay Servant Academy Refund Policy   
The Washington Region reserves the right to cancel classes because of low registration and will give as much notice as possible so registrants can register for another class or request a refund.

Full refunds are given if: 
~you cancel your registration and request a refund before the registration closing date or   
~the training is cancelled for any reason and you do not transfer to another training offered at that time.

Partial refunds are given if:
life issues or emergencies prevent you from participating. You must request a refund at the time of the event. The amount refunded will be the amount paid minus instructor fees already paid by the academy based on enrollment.

No refunds are given if:
the event has ended and there has been no notification that you were unable to participate. No fees are able to be credited for any future events.