279. Local Church Lay Speaker--1. A candidate may be recognized as a local Church lay speaker by the district or conference committee on lay speaking after the candidate has:
a) Made application in writing to the appropriate committee and has been recommended by the pastor and the administrative council or administrative board or the charge conference of the local Church in which membership is held. The district superintendent shall be responsible for reporting the names of applicants to the appropriate committee.
b) Completed the basic course for lay speaking.
2. The local Church lay speaker shall serve the local Church in which membership is held by witness of the spoken word, vital leadership service, and care-giving ministry (see 278.3).
3. To maintain status, a report and reapplication with recommendations must be submitted annually (see 248.12).
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 279
1996 United Methodist General Conference