LSM279 – Justice and Kindness: Social Principles of the United Methodist Church

Care for Self and Others, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

From the beginnings of the Wesleys’ movement, Methodists have focused on advocating and doing justice and mercy in public life as well as in personal holiness. But times and social settings change, so how do United Methodists in the 21st century obey Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God?” Justice and Kindness: Social Principles of the United Methodist Church surveys the new statement of social principles adopted by General Conference 2020/2024. This course will help participants understand and apply this little-known but powerful teaching document in personal, congregational and public contexts, while engaging respectfully with persons of different perspectives.

LSM350 – Campus Ministry: Empowering Congregations to Support Students

Courses, Lay Servant Ministries, Youth Ministry

This course will help you gain a clear and intentional understanding of the needs of college students, the context of your congregation’s location and commitment within the landscape of a college or university, and how to partner with established campus ministries.  It will help lay servants understand and communicate the key role played by local churches in nourishing the spiritual lives of college students through campus ministries. You also will learn how to create genuine relationships and foster ongoing faith formation, gaining tools to empower your congregation to create a campus partnership that will make a difference in these students’ lives. 

LSM393 – Earn. Save. Give.

Care for Self and Others, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

This course will help those who want to live out John Wesley’s way of life by following these three simple rules: Earn. Save. Give. You will be encouraged to understand the concepts of hard work and a life of prudent living so that you can be good stewards of God’s resources. You’ll discover principles that will help not only with your home budget but also within your church. Open to all interested learners, it is an approved Advanced Course for certification as a Certified Lay Speaker and Certified Lay Minister. 

LSM391 – Creating a Discipleship Growth Plan to See All the People

Church Administration & Leadership, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

In the Great Commission, Jesus told his followers to ‘go and make disciples,’ We add programs, stream our services, blend our music, but do we provide intentional discipleship growth opportunities? This advanced Lay Service Ministries course will help you develop a means to promote intentional discipleship growth in your congregation. We will look at what it means to be a disciple, and you will be able to connect the stages of growth of a disciple with the characteristics of a disciple. By the end of the course, you will have the tools you need to develop an intentional discipleship system to revitalize and grow your congregation.

LSM392 – Lay Pastoral Caregiving

Care for Self and Others, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

This new course will inform and empower your congregation to be able to provide lay pastoral caregiving alongside a supportive pastor. Offered in a two-week session, “Lay Pastoral Caregiving” is an important addition to church fellowship and community outreach. You will learn how to create a lay pastoral caregiving ministry with discernment and prayer, selecting and training those who feel called to this important ministry.

MEC104 – Safer Sanctuaries

Church Administration & Leadership, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

This two-week course is for church leaders who have the responsibility of creating Safer Sanctuary policy and procedures for their settings. It is intended to equip leaders to create safe spaces for the entire congregation, including children, youth, vulnerable adults, and those in ministry with them. You will explore how to recruit a team with the task of creating a foundation of caring and nourishing for your church and community, and learn specific elements to include in Safer Sanctuaries.

LSM331 – Teaching Sacred Tension in Local Congregations

Biblical Studies, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

This course is for laity and clergy who want to have a dialogue with scripture, even if they’ve never before thought of the Bible as a discussion. While the book provides a new framework for looking at repeating themes in scripture, the course will also teach us how to take this information back to our local church, deepening our ability to be in dialogue with the Bible and with each other.

LSM265 – Loving People and Planet in God’s Name

Church Administration & Leadership, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

This course invites learners to deepen their biblical, theological and scientific understanding of God’s call to care for creation and work for climate and environmental justice for all people. Learners will learn how to speak about the deepening climate crisis with love, and take active steps toward environmental justice, both personally and with others in their congregations and social settings.

LSM187 – Ministry with People Living with Dementia

Care for Self and Others, Courses, Lay Servant Ministries

Families in our congregations face fears and stereotypes about dementia, often more than about any other disease. This course encourages us to see and serve persons living with dementia through a spiritual lens, as disciples and active participants in God’s mission. Its goal is to equip lay servants to build relationships and lead ministries that recognize and serve the full personhood and spiritual needs of those affected by dementia, including the family caregivers.