280. Certified Lay Speaker--1. A candidate may be recognized as a certified 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 he or she holds membership.
b) Completed both basic and one advanced training courses for lay speaking.
c) Appeared before the appropriate committee for a review of the application and a consideration of the responsibilities of a lay speaker (see 278.2).
2. The certified lay speaker shall continue to serve the local church in the witness of the spoken word, vital leadership service, and care-giving ministry (see 278.1). In addition, the certified lay speaker may serve in the district and conference and in local Churches other than the local Church in which membership is held.
3. Recognition as a certified lay speaker shall be renewed annually by the district or conference committee on lay speaking after the certified lay speaker has:
a) Requested in writing the renewal of certification.
b) Submitted an annual report to the charge conference and the committee on lay speaking, giving evidence of the satisfactory performance of lay speaking service.
c) Been recommended for renewal by the pastor and the administrative council or administrative board or charge conference.
d) Completed at least once in every three years an advanced course for lay speakers.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 280
1996 United Methodist General Conference