Lay Ministry Training Certificate
In the Church of the Nazarene, we believe every Christian is called to be a minister of Christ. For those who feel called to serve in a specialized ministry as a layperson, without pursuing ordination, the Certificate of Lay Ministry is an excellent path. This certificate recognizes your dedication to both your local church and the study of ministry.
Join the next course, "John Wesley’s Theology" (15 Sessions) that starts on Wednesday, January 8th via Zoom. Classes will be held every second Wednesday of the month. This course will run from January to June 2025 (every second Wednesday).
Future courses lined up are as follows:
You can take any one course, of you can take the entire program. The entire program consists of 2 classes per year for three years. You can join in at any time.
To get started, you will need the recommendation of your pastor and the approval of your church board. If you are interested, please speak to Pastor Norman as soon as possible. There are further information below that will help answer some questions.
This is an opportunity for anyone interested, across Canada.
Join the next course, "John Wesley’s Theology" (15 Sessions) that starts on Wednesday, January 8th via Zoom. Classes will be held every second Wednesday of the month. This course will run from January to June 2025 (every second Wednesday).
Future courses lined up are as follows:
- Exploring Nazarene History & Polity - 11 sessions, Sept - Dec 2025
- Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation - 20 sessions, January - June 2026
- Old Testament - 12 sessions, Sept - Dec 2026
- New Testament - 18 sessions, January - June 2027
- Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World - 9 sessions, September - Dec. 2027
You can take any one course, of you can take the entire program. The entire program consists of 2 classes per year for three years. You can join in at any time.
To get started, you will need the recommendation of your pastor and the approval of your church board. If you are interested, please speak to Pastor Norman as soon as possible. There are further information below that will help answer some questions.
This is an opportunity for anyone interested, across Canada.
Questions & Answers
What is the Certificate of Lay Ministry?
In the Church of the Nazarene, we believe all Christians should consider themselves ministers of Christ and seek to know the will of God concerning their appropriate avenues of service. Any member of the Church of the Nazarene who feels called by God to fulfill a specialized ministry as a layperson but does not necessarily profess a call to be ordained may receive a Certificate of Lay Ministry from the local church board. This certificate helps validate the participating layperson's commitment to a body of believers and the study of a chosen area of ministry.
Does the candidate need to complete courses before the Certificate of Lay Ministry is given to them?
No. In the first year, the Certificate of Lay Ministry is given to the candidate before any courses are completed. In the subsequent year, the candidate must complete two courses to have the Certificate of Lay Ministry renewed. Once our office receives the application from the pastor, we will send the Certificate of Lay Ministry within 2-3 business days. Once the pastor receives the Certificate of Lay Ministry from our office, the certificate can be given to the candidate.
Why would I want to pursue the Certificate of Lay Ministry?
Pursuing the Certificate of Lay Ministry will offer you a deeper understanding of Scripture, discipleship, and the Church and enhance your effectiveness in a chosen field of ministry. The Certificate of Lay Ministry also lends credibility, and the educational process affirms God's call. Furthermore, it will strengthen your walk with Christ as you discipline yourself through study.
When someone receives the Certificate of Lay Ministry, it is a statement to the congregation that the Lay Minister has entered into a covenantal relationship with the church board and pastor. The covenantal relationship involves accountability, a commitment to lifelong learning, and mentoring.
What does the Certificate of Lay Ministry allow me to do?
Every person is different, and every congregation has different needs. Some of the responsibilities given to the Lay Minister may include but not be limited to administrative duties, pastoral care, pulpit supply, or leading a specified ministry. The recommendation would be that through prayer and wise counsel, each church board and pastor create a document that outlines the responsibilities each Lay Minister will fulfill as they consider the calling, gifts, and graces given to each respective Lay Minister.
How do I pursue a Certificate of Lay Ministry?
Application for the Certificate of Lay Ministry is contingent upon the recommendation of the local church pastor to the church board as well as a commitment of the candidate to complete the Certificate of Lay Ministry studies. The Continuing Lay Training (CLT) office will record course completions as the Lay Minister completes the courses at www.DiscipleshipPlace.org, or the courses completed are reported by the participants and/or pastor.
Upon the pastor's recommendation, the local church board shall initially examine the Lay Minister candidate regarding the personal experience of salvation, effective involvement in church ministries, knowledge of the church's work, and the Lay Minister's qualifications for such ministry.
Once approval from the pastor and local church board has been granted, the pastor will send the Certificate of Lay Ministry Application. The application can be filled out on our website.
In the Church of the Nazarene, we believe all Christians should consider themselves ministers of Christ and seek to know the will of God concerning their appropriate avenues of service. Any member of the Church of the Nazarene who feels called by God to fulfill a specialized ministry as a layperson but does not necessarily profess a call to be ordained may receive a Certificate of Lay Ministry from the local church board. This certificate helps validate the participating layperson's commitment to a body of believers and the study of a chosen area of ministry.
Does the candidate need to complete courses before the Certificate of Lay Ministry is given to them?
No. In the first year, the Certificate of Lay Ministry is given to the candidate before any courses are completed. In the subsequent year, the candidate must complete two courses to have the Certificate of Lay Ministry renewed. Once our office receives the application from the pastor, we will send the Certificate of Lay Ministry within 2-3 business days. Once the pastor receives the Certificate of Lay Ministry from our office, the certificate can be given to the candidate.
Why would I want to pursue the Certificate of Lay Ministry?
Pursuing the Certificate of Lay Ministry will offer you a deeper understanding of Scripture, discipleship, and the Church and enhance your effectiveness in a chosen field of ministry. The Certificate of Lay Ministry also lends credibility, and the educational process affirms God's call. Furthermore, it will strengthen your walk with Christ as you discipline yourself through study.
When someone receives the Certificate of Lay Ministry, it is a statement to the congregation that the Lay Minister has entered into a covenantal relationship with the church board and pastor. The covenantal relationship involves accountability, a commitment to lifelong learning, and mentoring.
What does the Certificate of Lay Ministry allow me to do?
Every person is different, and every congregation has different needs. Some of the responsibilities given to the Lay Minister may include but not be limited to administrative duties, pastoral care, pulpit supply, or leading a specified ministry. The recommendation would be that through prayer and wise counsel, each church board and pastor create a document that outlines the responsibilities each Lay Minister will fulfill as they consider the calling, gifts, and graces given to each respective Lay Minister.
How do I pursue a Certificate of Lay Ministry?
Application for the Certificate of Lay Ministry is contingent upon the recommendation of the local church pastor to the church board as well as a commitment of the candidate to complete the Certificate of Lay Ministry studies. The Continuing Lay Training (CLT) office will record course completions as the Lay Minister completes the courses at www.DiscipleshipPlace.org, or the courses completed are reported by the participants and/or pastor.
Upon the pastor's recommendation, the local church board shall initially examine the Lay Minister candidate regarding the personal experience of salvation, effective involvement in church ministries, knowledge of the church's work, and the Lay Minister's qualifications for such ministry.
Once approval from the pastor and local church board has been granted, the pastor will send the Certificate of Lay Ministry Application. The application can be filled out on our website.