Online courses are educational opportunities for lay servants to engage in learning opportunities in a virtual environment. The courses are delivered over the Internet using Google Classroom as the software platform which means that the classes are completely online. Participants are expected to meet one time in ZOOM for an orientation to the course and navigation system. After the orientation, you complete the course from your home, work, or at a time that is most convenient for you within a limited time frame. Online courses are 5 weeks in length, and the time for completing assignments will vary based on individual preparation, involvement and participation. All online courses are open to your schedule with 24/7 access. Participants must purchase the books for all classes. Books may be purchased from Cokesbury, Amazon, Upper Room Books or any other reputable dealer. All of the online courses are Advanced LSM classes and have a prerequisite of completion of the Basic Lay Servant Ministries course.
To register for classes, click Here
See All the People: May 6 – June 10. Last day to register is May 6.
This course is a practical guide for congregations who find themselves stuck researching community demographics, pouring over worship attendance metrics, and fixing their aging structures, yet lack a system for creating relationships with those who surround their church.
Text: Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations by Junius Dodson. Free PDF download available at https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/developing-an-intentional-discipleship-system/ Paperback version of the book can be purchased from the same page.
Spiritual Gifts: June 24 – July 29. Last day to register is June 24.
This course is designed to help participants identify their spiritual gifts and examine spiritually how they can use their gifts to serve others.
Text: For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts by Christine Harman
Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders: July 29 – September 9. Last day to register is July 29.
This purpose of this course is to help participants examine the mission of the United Methodist Church, which is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Text: Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders by Marc Brown, Kathy Merry, and John Briggs
Afire with God: September 11 – October 14. Last day to register is September 11.
This course focuses on the need for congregations to become stewards-in-action of all God has entrusted to them.
Text: Afire with God by Betsy Schwarzentraub
Evangelism: October 14 – November 18. Last day to register is October 14.
The focus of this course is to examine the challenge of evangelism within the local church and to review John Wesley’s approach to evangelism as a valid model of how lay speakers can help local churches develop models for effective evangelism.
Text: Transforming Evangelism by Henry H. Knight, III and Douglas Powe, Jr.