So where were you again last week, Brad? I was at Local Pastor Licensing School in Ft. Wort at Texas Wesleyan University. I thought, “Great! I will get a chance to see some people in Ft. Worth this week.” NOT! We went from breakfast at 7:30 am every morning until 10:00 pm or after every day with a two or three 15 minute breaks. I will never complain, because it was an amazing experience.
If the path to ordination and the distinction among those of us who serve in our church's pulpits every Sunday is confusing, you are definitely not alone. The General Board of Discipleship describes some of the servant leadership of the United Methodist Church (to explain, not compare) as follows:
An Elder is a clergy member of the annual conference ordained for Word, Order, and Sacrament. Under the guaranteed appointment (placement) of a bishop, an elder has usually completed seminary training. His or her sole livelihood comes from a church.
A Licensed Local Pastor is a clergy member of the annual conference who provides pastoral leadership in a local congregation. He or she is appointed (placed) by the bishop for nonitinerant ministry in a local congregation. His or her training includes attending a conference licensing (or pastors') school and completing the course of study program available from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
A Certified Lay Speaker:A certified lay speaker is a layperson who has completed the basic course in lay speaking ministries and an additional advanced course. His or her certification is renewed every three years upon completing another course.
Although lay speakers are intended to serve in the ministry and mission within the local congregation where they are members in good standing, certified lay speakers may serve beyond the local church. They may provide temporary pulpit supply for pastors who are away from the church due to vacation, a mission project, or a family crisis. Traditionally, lay speakers also speak on Laity Sunday.
I am currently a Certified Lay Speaker, am in process to become an ordained Elder and have completed training and am awaiting appointment as a Licensed Local Pastor here at BEUMC. So what does all this mean? For the time being, expect to see Dennis (an ordained elder) with me during Holy Communion. For more complex answers, I'm going to need some coffee.
God bless,
Pastor Brad
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