NEW FOR SPRING 2023! Every person who completes a lay servant course will earn $20 towards their church’s apportionments! So, make a plan, bring a friend, complete a course and help support your church’s goal of paying 100% of its apportionments!

Below you’ll find a listing of the courses being offered from the Southern District Lay Servant Ministry team. While the classes are designed for lay members clergy are welcome to attend and participate. Not only that WE WELCOME anyone regardless of district, conference, or even denomination to participate in our classes! For those interested in offerings around the WV UMC Annual Conference see the summary below!

To learn more about spiritual leaders in the West Virginia United Methodist Church follow this link. To learn more about the different ways laity can be credentialed click here. If you are interested in taking steps towards credentialed ministry as lay person or clergy schedule a time to talk with your pastor. You can also always connect with the Southern District Superintendent Chip Bennett (phone: 304-252-7985 or email: southerndistrict@wvumc.org)

IN PERSON: BLUEWELL UMC (LOCAL CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS and BASIC) The in-person classes will include both “Local Church Communications” and “Basic: UMC 101” The event will be held at Bluewell UMC in Bluewell on Saturday April 1st 8am-5pm Register Here

IN PERSON: PETERSTOWN UMC (LET’S PREACH! and SPIRITUAL GIFTS) The in-person classes will include both “Let’s PREACH!” and “Spiritual Gifts.”  The event will be held at Peterstown UMC in Peterstown on Saturday June 17th 8am-5pm.  Register Here

UNITED METHODIST POLITY with Rev Dr Ken Krimmel.  In the class you will learn how the church works, how it is organized, and how it governs itself.  This is a wonderful course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the UMC or brush up on their knowledge of the polity of the UMC.  Rev Krimmel has a wealth of knowledge to share with participants.  The class will held on Tuesdays starting on April 11th and ending May 2nd on ZOOM. Register Here

RESPONDING TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC with Rev Barry Ball.  What and how we United Methodists need to respond to the Opioid Epidemic.  The class will held on Mondays starting on March 6th and ending April 3rd on ZOOM. Register Here