Introduction to Lay Ministry: The BASIC Course is the foundational course for individuals wishing to become Certified Lay Servants. But this course can also be used as part of a discipleship plan for anyone in the church to acquaint them with spiritual gifts, calling and responsibilities as followers of Jesus. Training is offered by district committees of Lay Servant Ministries. It is offered in a variety of formats, times and places. The required text is available through Upper Room, Amazon and Cokesbury.
Lay Servant Ministries courses are open to ALL, whether or not an enrollee applies to serve as a lay servant.
Tri-fold Brochure: The BASIC Course (2018) (pdf)
Title: The Basic Course
Dates: Saturdays, Oct. 7 and 14 (both dates required)
Time: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM on 10/7 at Douglas Ave. UMC, and 9:00 AM-12:00 PM on 10/14 at Bissell UMC
Locations: Douglas Ave. UMC, 501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, IL 62704-1701, and Bissell UMC, 2798 Colt Rd., Springfield 62707-8863
Cost: $30
Instructor: Revs. Floyd & Bobbi Blackard
Wrapped snacks and bottled water will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.
Registration deadline: Oct. 1, 2023. Register at https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/centralbasiclayspeaking
Contact: Carol Conover, cconover@igrc.org
Required Text: Introduction to Lay Ministry: The BASIC Course by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson (ISBN 978-0-88177-626-3). Individuals are expected to purchase, read, and study this book prior to first class. Available through Upper Room, Amazon and Cokesbury
Title: The Basic Course
Dates: Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 22, 2023 (both dates required)
Time: 9a.m.-6 p.m.10/14 and 2 to 5 p.m. 10/22
Location: Union United Methodist Church, 721 E Main St., Belleville, IL 62220
Cost: $30.00
Instructor: David Roderick
Wrapped snacks and bottled water will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.
Registration deadline: Oct. 7, 2023. Register at: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/centralbasiclayspeaking
Contact: Becky Tuchalski, rtuchalski522@gmail.com
Required Text: Introduction to Lay Ministry: The BASIC Course by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson (ISBN 978-0-88177-626-3). Individuals are expected to purchase, read, and study this book prior to the first class. Available through Upper Room, Amazon, and Cokesbury.
Dates: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
Title: Leading Public Prayer (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track or renewal for lay servants)
Times: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. Participants are required to bring their own snacks, drinks, and lunch.
Location: Moline Riverside UMC, 712 16th St, Moline, IL. This is a hybrid class that may be offered via Zoom.
Cost: $ 20.00
Instructor: Rev. James Fielder, Moline Riverside UMC Registration deadline: Oct. 7, 2023. Register by email at cemken@mymctc.net Contact: Claudia Emken, cemken@mymctc.net
Participants are required to purchase their own book Shaping the Prayers of the People, available through Cokesbury: Shaping the Prayers of the People | Cokesbury. Participants are expected to read the book prior to class and come prepared to discuss.
Title: Introduction to Lay Ministry: The Basic Course - Hybrid Class
Dates: Saturday, September 23, 2023 & Sunday, September 24, 2023
Times: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM on Saturday & 1:00PM to 4:30PM on Sunday.
It is required to attend both sessions.
Location: Northwest UMC, 3800 W. War Memorial Drive., Peoria, IL 61615
This class will also be presented through Zoom at the above listed times.
Cost: $ 20.00 (Bring a sack lunch on Saturday and your own snacks) (Coffee & Water are provided)
Contact: Kim Wade, kamwade77@outlook.com or 309-825-7237 (call or text)
Required text: Lay Servant Ministries by Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson (9780881776263) Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Cokesbury.