Leading, Caring, Communicating. They describe what lay speakers do and what lay speaking is all about.  

Congregations need leaders. If a leader puts the needs of those being led ahead of her or his own self-interests, then her or his leading is an act of servanthood. We have come to call this servant leadership, and Jesus is the model for it. Let's see what Lay Speaking Ministries has to do with leading.

All of us are called to be leaders some of the time, in some way. Each of the lay speaking advanced courses published by Discipleship Resources teaches us something about one or more aspects of servanthood and leadership as well. I feel certain that the courses developed locally do the same. The Basic Course introduces us to many ways we can serve inside and outside the congregation and is particularly useful in connecting us with our call to ministry and our giftedness for that ministry. It is also about leading.

The advanced courses introduce us to particular skills on an introductory level. Titles include Lay Speakers Lead Small Groups, Lay Speakers Are Servant Leaders, Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study, Lay Speakers Lead Prayer, Lay Speakers Lead in Evangelism, Lay Speakers Lead in Stewardship, Lay Speakers Lead in Worship, Lay Speakers Interpret to Others Our United Methodist Heritage, and Lay Speakers Grow Spiritually Through Daily Discipline. Lay speaking advanced courses are about leading in particular areas, and lay speakers are simply leaders in the congregation.

Lay Speaking Ministries courses are excellent background for those interested in leading in any area of congregational life, or in the life of the community around the congregation. The Book of Discipline recommends that lay leaders be lay speakers. Lay Speaking Ministries performs several great services for The United Methodist Church. It trains laypeople to be leaders, and — while it wasn't intended to be such — it is the largest source of second-career pastors in our denomination.

The Baltimore Harford District offers a comprehensive training program for men and women who feel called to the ministry of Lay Speaker.  Below is a list of the current class schedule and contact information.  If you are interested, Dr. Knowles and John Hill, our Lay Leader are prepared to assist you in your journey.  Registration forms for the classes are available online by visiting the District website http://www.gbgm-umc.org/baltimore-harford/.  Dr. Knowles can be reached by email at pastor@oldotterbeinumc.org.  John Hill can be reached at John.Hill@emagination.com

For additional information, check out these links;

Ministry of the Laity - http://www.gbod.org/laity/lay_speaking.asp