top of page

Events and Opportunities

Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry  (All are welcome)​​​

  • August - The next in-person Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry will be presented at the Laity Academy in August.  Dates and times to be  announced at a later date.  The instructor for Christ Servant Ministry - The Journey Begins will be Judy Ehninger.  The course needs at least 12 participants and is limited to the first 16 registrations.  For more information contact either Instructor, Judy Ehninger... or the Conference Director of Christ Servant Ministries, George Hollich. â€‹â€‹

​​

Advanced Training  (All are welcome)​​​​​​​​​​​​​ â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

  • April 26 - Laity Academy Spring 2025 Events - The Laity Academy will hold in-person classes at two different locations in opposite ends of the conference on April 26, in addition to the 2-day training in August. The following advanced courses will be offered:

“Servant Leadership” will be taught by Joseph Skarbowsky at St. Paul’s UMC in Pine Grove.  

“Prayer for our Times” will be taught by Rev. Monica Guepet at Stroudsburg UMC.

Both classes are open to any member of the laity with a desire to explore these ministry areas or for their own spiritual growth.  The Servant Leadership class is especially recommended for those who are exploring a call to Christ Servant Ministry or the clergy who are assigned to lead a congregation.​  The $30 fee covers the cost of the class and all instructional materials, as well as a light   breakfast, lunch, and coffee, tea and water throughout the day.   There will be 8 hours of in person instruction on April 26, with two hours of pre-and or post class work to complete the 10-hour requirement for CSM and CLM credit.  Partial credit will not be awarded.

REGISTER here to attend "Servant Leadership" at St. Pauls in Pine Grove. 

REGISTER here to attend  "Prayer for our Times" at Stroudsburg UMC.

Address all Questions to Brenda Binns, Dean of the Laity Academy    Email: bbinns1@msn.com   Text: 570-617-1342

  • August - A number of advanced courses will be offered at the in person Laity Academy in  August. Dates and times along with courses and their instructors will  be  announced at a later date. Address all Questions to Brenda Binns, Dean of the Laity Academy    Email: bbinns1@msn.com   Text: 570-617-1342

​ 

 â€‹Advanced Training on-line

  • In  addition to in-person courses, there are numerous on-line courses that can be taken for CSM credit. (See "Seasonal Opportunities below.) These courses include BeADisiciple.com Some as well as on-line credit courses such as Basic Sexual Ethics; Dismantling Racism, Emotional Intelligence and Diversity.  To receive credit for on-line experiences a CSM request for credit form must be completed and submitted no later than 30 days after completion of the course.   (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF).

         â€‹â€‹

Advanced Training on-line via BeADisciple.com

BeADisciple.com – hosts online advanced courses. The courses on their website identified with the “learning and leading” logo are approved by Discipleship Ministries (formerly the General Board of Discipleship) and meet the continuing education requirements for renewal of Christ Servant Minister (one advanced course every 3 years), Certified Lay Speaker (one advanced course every 3 years), or Certified Lay Minister (one advanced course every 2 years). Although they have other approved courses designated on their website as "Lay Servant Ministries", the following are several upcoming courses…​

CLM Orientation  (More information can be found on the Certified Lay Minister page)

    Contact Judy Ehninger, CLM Program Coordinator,  for information

      Call:  610-442-3140 or Email: judy.ehninger@gmail.com.

​

Seasonal Opportunities​​​​​​​

  • Spring 2025 - East District CSM Meet & Greet.  

 

  • Mission U - If you participated in seminar events sponsored by United Women in Faith be sure to complete a "Request for Credit" form. (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF).

 

​​

  • Tools for Ministry Workshops - 2025 - When you participate in a Tools for Ministry workshop please be sure you complete a "Request for Credit" form to insure that you receive the appropriate credit. (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF) ​

​

​​​​​​

​​

  • BeADisciple.com –  hosts online courses approved by Discipleship Ministries for use as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries (i.e. Christ Servant Ministries). These approved courses are designated on their website as "Lay Servant Ministries" and include a variety of titles & instructors including…

       Biblical Storytelling  – Beth Galbreath
       Transforming Evangelism – Debra Dickerson

        Rediscovering our Spiritual Gifts – Beth Perry
        Leading Worship 101 for Lay Leaders - Dan Benedict
        Multimedia Technology in Worship –John Zimmerman
        Caring for the Caregiver - Harriet Wilkin

Those interested in registering or learning more about these titles can view and register by clicking on the following link: BeADisciple.com.

Individuals registering for any of the BeADisciple.com courses should communicate the necessary information with the conference director, George Hollich to insure that CSM credit is assigned. (Download Request for Credit Form in PDF)

​

Other Events

  • The Wesley Theological Seminary Lay Academy offers 11 online courses covering a variety of topics including Methodist identity, early church history, Christian ethics, interfaith relations, and the intersection of faith and science. Laypeople can earn a certification in Wesleyan Studies by completing six of the courses online, or can choose to take courses individually for personal education and enrichment. All of the Wesley Theological Seminary Lay Academy courses can be viewed at BeADisciple.com.

​​

​​

  • Evangelical Seminary’s School of Lifelong Learning Institute for Church Leadership offers a series of courses in Bible, theology, spiritual disciplines, evangelism, church history, missions, and counseling. CSM credit can be requested for these opportunities for spiritual enrichment and leadership development.  They are  open to all without any educational prerequisites. They are not seminary level courses and do not earn credit from Evangelical Seminary.  If you wish to inquire about courses please apply online or contact Joel Kime at joel.kime@evangelical.edu.

​

For more information on Christ Servant Ministries or CSM sponsored events call:  717-838-2812 or E-mail:  George Hollich

bottom of page