If You Might Be God's Answer, and Don't Feel Qualified, We Can Help

You might be God’s answer to a small membership church if you are willing to serve on Sunday morning as a pastor. Yes, some churches cannot afford to hire full-time clergy. Some churches, even when yoked, need a very part-time lay pastor. And there are still others who are too far from another church and need someone willing to help on Sunday mornings.

You might be God’s answer to multiple church charges of three, four, or more churches if you are willing to fill in for the pastor at one of the churches. Yes, some pastors cannot preach at every church on every Sunday and need someone willing to step up and preach at one of the churches in their charge.

You might be God’s answer to a church if you call on people in the hospital, nursing home, or shut-ins. Sometimes the lead pastor needs a little extra help because there is only so much time in the day, and they can’t reach every person needing a pastoral visit. A person trained to help with pastoral visits can help many churches and pastors.

You might be God’s answer if you are willing to work with children or youth. You may have gifts and graces that would be perfect for the job. Sometimes the pastor has more responsibilities in other areas of the church and needs a person to help.

There is one minor hiccup. You may not feel qualified. Not to worry, The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries has a nine-month Certified Lay Minister Training program to help you feel comfortable serving in the church. Over nine months, we will help you:

• Explore your call and gifts for ministry.
• Learn how to write and preach a sermon, share a meditation, or teach a Bible lesson.
• Understand and be able to articulate the Wesleyan understanding of salvation.
• Apply what you learn in your work with the congregation.
• Know where to find others who can help you grow as you lead.
• Build a foundation for developing your faith and call to ministry.

If you have a desire and feel God calling you to be an answer to helping churches thrive, and are ready to step forward, I invite you to take The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries Certified Lay Ministry course. To learn more, visit the Certified Lay Ministry Training page, apply, or call Rev. Dr. Carl Ellis at 785-445-2595.