The 2004 General Conference of the United Methodist Church authorized the creation of the Certified Lay Minister (CLM) and the designation was included in the 2012 Book of Discipline. The General Board of Discipleship and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry were given the task of working together to develop the basic curriculum and framework for how the program would be organized.
The Certified Lay Minister Admission Policy & Definition:
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a qualified United Methodist layperson called to be a part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. The CLM candidate is a Christ Servant Minister / Lay Servant in good standing, Annual Reports filed each year, with a minimum of two years CSM experience including one advanced course in speaking, (or a person with equivalent training as defined by the EPC). Following a two hour Orientation Session, persons who feel the need for more ministry training and responsibility, complete and submit an application, after consultation with and recommendation of their pastor, local church Staff Parish Relations Committee, the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, District Superintendent, and the Conference Committee on Christ Servant Ministry. Applications are reviewed and students are accepted to begin the program of four modules, Changing Racism, and Basic Sexual Ethics. Upon completion of the program the CLM may be assigned to resource a local congregation by the district superintendent. (updated 7/1/2026)
Assignment and Recertification
Certified Lay Ministers may be assigned by the District Superintendent to provide lay pastoral leadership, as part of a ministry team, in local churches... but have no clergy rights or benefits. Certified Lay Ministers may be re-certified by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry every 2 years after successful ministry program evaluation (CSM Annual Report) and recommendation of Charge Conference from the congregation to which the CLM is assigned (or, if not assigned, the congregation of membership).
Required coursework to become a CLM
The following four modules must be completed and taken in order:
1. Introduction - Call and Covenant for Ministry — minimum 10 hours contact time
Description: This course includes a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, understanding the individuals call to ministry, Ministry covenant and recognizing ordering for Ministry.
2. The Practice of Ministry — minimum 10 hours contact time
Description: Worship: Styles of Worship, Leading Worship, The Role of Music, Prayer, Scripture in Worship, Praise and Worship – a Performance or Joint venture, Including all Ages in Worship, Worship Resources
Preaching: Preparing and delivering sermons, The Sacraments, Evangelism; its meaning and helping students understand the importance of reaching out to others. Pastoral Care: Visitation, Funeral Care, boundaries and Safe Sanctuaries.
3. Organization of Ministry - minimum 10 hours contact time
Description: Focus on the leader’s task of organizing a congregation for Mission and Ministry. Understanding congregational culture. Leadership, Ministry N.O.W and Committees that work.
4. The Connection for Ministry - minimum 10 hours contact time
Description: United Methodist History, Exploring the Theology and Doctrine of the Christian Church, and the contribution of the United Methodist Church. The connection between the local church, district and annual conference.
Additional requirements include: - completion of Safe Sanctuary Background checks, completion of the EPAC Basic Sexual Ethics course, and completion of Changing Racism weekend retreat.
The above work and requirements are designed to prepare a Lay Person for effective pastoral service as part of a ministry team that will include a Supervising Pastor. Course material may be transferred to the Local Pastor course of study as designated. Students wishing to go further must go through the candidacy process.
The following is the process that will be followed for the Class of 2027...
Class of 2027 Certification 2028
Announcing the Introduction Orientation Sessions
for Admission to the CLM Class of 2027
(Attendance at one orientation session is required for program admission.)
To register for an orientation session...
contact Judy Ehninger by phone - 610-442-3140 or
by email - judy.ehninger@gmail.com
Introduction Orientation Session dates for April 1, 2027 Admission.
Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:30-8:30 pm ZOOM
Monday, October 20, 2026 6:30-8:30 pm ZOOM
Saturday, October 24, 2026 10:00 pm – 12:00 pm ZOOM
Saturday, November 11, 2026 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (last session offered)
Contact Judy to register preference for attendance.
Orientation sessions are two hours in length. Attendance at one session is the first step in the admission process and therefore is considered to be a requirement.
Registration & attendance at one session is required.
All admission materials and requirements will be reviewed during the session. Admission materials (application) will only be distributed to those completing an orientation session.
Contact Judy Ehninger, CLM Program Coordinator with questions, to get further information, or register for an Orientation Session.
phone: 610-442-3140
email: judy.ehninger@gmail.com