The South District of the ARUMC has several classes to equip each and every one of us for Lay Servant Ministry. Remember—Lay Servant Ministry is not necessarily preaching or filling a pulpit; it is for anyone who is feeling the urge to serve your church. It may be starting a food pantry, or a children’s program, or visitation to members who can’t attend in person or many other leadership activities. Lay Servant Ministries takes as many forms as there are lay servant. The courses in the LSM program begin with the introduction, but there are many other courses offered from time to time.
The Intro to Lay Servant Ministries course helps participants understand their call as laity, the history and purpose of Lay Servant Ministries, and how they can serve through serving,, caring, and communicating in the church and community.
Book: Lay Servant Ministries – Basic Course, Sandy Zeigler Jackson and Brian Jackson
- August 16, 2025 – Malvern UMC
- August 23, 2025 – Prescott UMC
- August 23, 2025 – Oaklawn UMC, Hot Springs
- September 27, 2025 – Jacksonville First UMC
- October 18, 2025 – First UMC, Conway (Arrive 8:00, Start time 8:30/End time 4:30)
- October 25, 2025 – Huntsville UMC
- October 25, 2025 – Jacksonville First UMC
- November 8, 2025 – Clarksville UMC
Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia Through a Spiritual Lens, this course helps laity and clergy better understand and support people living with dementia, calling the church to deeper discipleship through compassionate, inclusive relationships that reflect God’s grace and uphold each person’s worth.
Book: Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia through a Spiritual Lens, Kenneth L. Carder
- August 16, 2025 – Malvern UMC
United Methodist Polity, this course gives participants an overview of the structure and organization of The United Methodist Church.
Book: The Method of Our Mission, Laceye C. Warner
- August 23, 2025 – Prescott First UMC (Arrive 8:00, Start time 8:30/End time 4:30)
Most classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and wrap up around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. the same day, unless noted otherwise. Instructors will reach out to participants ahead of time with lunch details and any pre-class assignments. Each class requires a $15 registration fee, plus the cost of the required reading. Scholarships are available—just email lsm@arumc.org to request support. Please note that classes may be canceled if a minimum number of participants isn’t met, so spread the word and invite others to join you.
Please consider taking the Basic class. If you’ve already completed that class, perhaps it’s time to pursue an advanced course.
Here is the link for more information and registration: https://arumc.org/our-ministries/lay-servant-ministries/.
If you have questions, feel free to call the South District office 870-230-1118 or the South District Lay Servant Ministries Coordinator Catherine Cook 870-703-9811, catchcook@gmail.com.
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Jodie Myers
District Administrator
South District
904 Caddo Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Office: 870 230-1118 / Fax: 870 451-8491