Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide

The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide is an introductory course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It can be used with adults and youth and is the foundational course for other leadership training courses.

This course covers the 3 three core categories of Lay Servant Ministries: Leading, Caring, and Communicating; it also emphasizes ministry in daily life and sharing faith stories. The plans in this Leader's Guide are designed to be taught in 5 two-hour sessions. They can also be used over a weekend.

NOTE: This guide replaces the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide, DR551. If you have taught the Basic Course before, you will need to adjust your teaching plans to emphasize the core categories described above.

Session topics include:

Ministry of the Baptized


priesthood of all believers
spiritual gifts
the need for a response to God's call
the role of laity in ministry



Leading


servant leadership
important roles in leadership
what it means to be a spiritual leader
Christian conferencing



Caring


biblical basis for caring ministry
acts of compassion and justice
caring for creation



Communication


guidelines for respectful communication
listening skills
sharing faith stories



Into the World


understanding leaders' role in fulfilling the Great Commission
importance of continued study and spiritual growth
role of hospitality
Appreciative Inquiry and Asset-Based Community Development



Appendices include two letters to participants (depending on whether the course is taught in 5 sessions or over a weekend), a sample format for Christian conferencing, evaluation forms for communication session, and resources (scripture, song, and meditation) for each session.

The Participant's Book for this course is: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book