The Certified Lay Minister Program (CML) seeks to prepare people for preaching the Word, care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of the church (¶268). This is achieved with the support of a ministry team within the context of the local church.
This training program is an instrument of accompaniment in ministerial practice. It is a tool that seeks to develop a critical and transforming mind in the person who uses it; a form of thought that seeks theory and practice, from the perspective of the Reign of God.
The purpose is for each leader and congregation to become active agents of change within the institutional church and society. This transformation must be based on the principles of His Reign in favor of the less favored communities.
The program is an authentic expression and affirmation of both our socio-cultural and linguistic inheritance and the current historical reality. Never leaving aside our historic Wesleyan and the United Methodist Church legacies. Likewise, this instrument seeks to develop in each participant a style of teamwork between the laity and the leadership of their district, for the support of small congregations, the formation of new faith communities and community centers.
Therefore, this program seeks to be an integrating element of our theology and of a ministerial practice relevant to the challenges and opportunities that the society of the 21st century offers.
The Certified Lay Ministry program is composed of the following four modules:
Module I: Call and Covenant for Ministry
It provides a basic overview of the call to ministry, theology and ministry within the United Methodist Church.
Module II: The Practice of Ministry
It covers the basic skills of Certification for Lay Ministry, which include liturgy and worship, preaching and evangelism, small groups formation and pastoral care.
Module III: Organization of the Local Church
Provides a basic understanding of leadership, administration and congregational development within the life and culture of the local church.
Module IV: Ministerial Connection
It provides an overview of the connection structure of the mission of the United Methodist Church
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LAY MINISTER CERTIFICATION
a) Obtain written recommendation from the pastor and the local church.
b) Completed a track of study as defined by the General Board of Discipleship, or the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry in collaboration with the annual conference leadership.
c) Show appreciation for the history, systems of government, doctrine, worship and liturgy of the United Methodist Church through service in its local church.
d) Received a letter of recommendation from his/her district superintendent after finishing the selection process.
e) Applied in writing to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
f) Be examined and approved by the District Committee on Ordained.
g) Have successfully completed the course of Lay Minister or Lay Missionary