CLM Program Overview
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a lay person who serves the small membership church. The CLM will preach the word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program worship and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of the United Methodist Church.
To become a certified lay minister, the person will pass eleven courses and be approved by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM). A student is responsible for visiting with their district superintendent to begin the DCOM process.
To begin training, apply to the director of the CLM program, Rev. Carl Ellis. Download a Certified Lay Minister Training Program application. Send the completed application to Rev. Carl Ellis, Center for the Small Membership Church, Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E. Claflin Room 315 Box 81, Salina, KS 67401 or e-mail it to cellis@kswestumc.org.
The CLM manual can be downloaded HERE.
The Kansas Area of the United Methodist Church, in partnership with Kansas Wesleyan University, has developed courses that will help lay people develop a base for leadership. When students complete the CLM courses, they will be able to articulate the faith in written and verbal form.
2012-2013 Classes
To register for classes, contact Sandra Ellis at sandra.ellis@kwu.edu or 785-827-5541 ext. 1315, or click here to download a registration form.
Fill out the form and send with your check made out to Kansas Wesleyan University, to Center for Small Membership Churches, Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E Claflin, Salina KS 67401.
Upon receipt of your registration form and check, book(s) will be sent to you.
Access to the website will be sent by e-mail one day before the course starts.
New Testament
This course will explore the New Testament.
Web sessions: Aug. 6 - 31, 2012
Instructor:
Registration deadline: July 27, 2012
Worship
Exploring, examining and affecting worship within the United Methodist tradition.
Class begins Sept. 3
Adobe Web Sessions: Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 at 8 p.m.
Online Course open: Sept. 3 - 28, 2012
Final class meeting: Sept. 29, 2012, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina
Instructors: Mic McGuire, Sue Barham, Lori Schwilling
Registration deadline: Aug. 20, 2012
United Methodist History
United Methodist History for Certified Lay Ministers will introduce participants to the major themes in United Methodist History.
Web sessions: Oct. 1 - 26, 2012
Instructor:
Registration deadline: Sept. 17, 2012
Introduction to Pastoral Care
This course will include instruction in ministering to those who grieve, those in crisis, those who are sick and those spending time in the nursing home, hospital or jail. An emphasis will be placed on the gift of presence each Christian brings to those who need care.
Web sessions: Nov. 5-30, 2012
Instructor:
Registration deadline: Oct. 22, 2012
Preaching
Preaching will prepare the Certified Lay Minister for the task of preparing sermons and delivering them effectively in the context of Sunday morning worship. Class size is limited to 10 students, allowing ample time for student presentations.
Web sessions: Jan. 7 - Feb.1, 2013
Class meeting: Feb. 2, 2013, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., in Great Bend
Instructor:
Registration deadline: Dec. 17, 2012
Ministry Discovery
This course will include a spiritual gifts inventory, understanding the individual’s call to ministry and understanding the priesthood of all believers, ordination and orders in the United Methodist church.
Web sessions: Jan. 7 - Feb. 1, 2013
Instructor: Carl K. Ellis
Registration deadline: Dec. 17, 2012
Evangelism
Evangelism will look at the meaning of evangelism, helping students understand the importance of reaching out to others in Christian love, making disciples for Jesus Christ.
Web sessions: Feb. 4 - March 1, 2013
Instructor:
Registration deadline: Jan. 18, 2013
United Methodist Theology and Doctrine
Explore the Theology and Doctrine of the Christian Church and contributions of the United Methodist Church to theological and doctrinal discussion.
Web sessions: March 4 - 29, 2013
Class meeting: March 9, 2013, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Instructor: Frank Dorsey
Registration deadline: Feb. 18, 2013
Missions and Social Concerns
It is envisioned to offer an understanding of United Methodist mission theology as well as some mission education program ideas and methods to pastors, lay and ordained, through a partnership with annual conference board/committee/teams on Global Ministries, with an organized opportunity for reflection on mission and mission theology from the United Methodist perspective.
Web sessions: June 3 - 28, 2013
Instructor:
Registration deadline: May 20, 2013
Practice of Ministry
This course helps the student learn how to prepare, write and deliver a sermon once a week, help parishioners in crisis and the keys to pastoral leadership when serving the church. Registration deadline: Aug. 1, 2012.
Web sessions:
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 8, 2012
Oct. 13, 2012
Dec. 1, 2012
Feb. 9, 2013
Mar. 9, 2013
Class meetings:
Aug. 10 - 11, 2012 - Begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and end by 3:30 p.m. Saturday
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 3, 2012
Jan. 12, 2013
April 13, 2013
Instructors: Carl Ellis and Jada Hodgson
Center for Small Membership Churches
100 E. Claflin, Box 81
Salina, KS 67401-6167