"God calls you to a life of servanthood as a disciple of Jesus Christ. …Lay Servant Ministries is the first step for many laypersons toward their faith journey as they strive for a closer relationship with the Lord," the authors write in the introduction. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It explores personal spiritual gifts servant leadership each leader's role in developing future leaders the importance of consistent spiritual practices the core ministries of Leading, Caring, and Communicating and much more. The Basic Course can be used for both adults and youth. Consisting of five two-hour sessions, it may serve as a short-term study for small groups, Sunday school classes, and new member classes. NOTE: This book replaces the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course, DR551. The Leader's Guide is also available here.

"God calls you to a life of servanthood as a disciple of Jesus Christ. ...Lay Servant Ministries is the first step for many laypersons toward their faith journey as they strive for a closer relationship with the Lord," the authors write in the introduction. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It explores personal spiritual gifts servant leadership each leader's role in developing future leaders the importance of consistent spiritual practices the core ministries of Leading, Caring, and Communicating and much more. The Basic Course can be used for both adults and youth. Consisting of five two-hour sessions, it may serve as a short-term study for small groups, Sunday school classes, and new member classes. NOTE: This book replaces the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course, DR551. The Leader's Guide is also available here.

The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide is an introductory course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It can be used with adults and youth and is the foundational course for other leadership training courses. This course covers the 3 three core categories of Lay Servant Ministries: Leading, Caring, and Communicating; it also emphasizes ministry in daily life and sharing faith stories. The plans in this Leader's Guide are designed to be taught in 5 two-hour sessions. They can also be used over a weekend. NOTE: This guide replaces the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide, DR551. If you have taught the Basic Course before, you will need to adjust your teaching plans to emphasize the core categories described above. Session topics include: Ministry of the Baptized priesthood of all believers spiritual gifts the need for a response to God's call the role of laity in ministry Leading servant leadership important roles in leadership what it means to be a spiritual leader Christian conferencing Caring biblical basis for caring ministry acts of compassion and justice caring for creation Communication guidelines for respectful communication listening skills sharing faith stories Into the World understanding leaders' role in fulfilling the Great Commission importance of continued study and spiritual growth role of hospitality Appreciative Inquiry and Asset-Based Community Development Appendices include two letters to participants (depending on whether the course is taught in 5 sessions or over a weekend), a sample format for Christian conferencing, evaluation forms for communication session, and resources (scripture, song, and meditation) for each session. The Participant's Book for this course is: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book

The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide is an introductory course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It can be used with adults and youth and is the foundational course for other leadership training courses. This course covers the 3 three core categories of Lay Servant Ministries: Leading, Caring, and Communicating; it also emphasizes ministry in daily life and sharing faith stories. The plans in this Leader's Guide are designed to be taught in 5 two-hour sessions. They can also be used over a weekend. NOTE: This guide replaces the Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course Leader's Guide, DR551. If you have taught the Basic Course before, you will need to adjust your teaching plans to emphasize the core categories described above. Session topics include: Ministry of the Baptized priesthood of all believers spiritual gifts the need for a response to God's call the role of laity in ministry Leading servant leadership important roles in leadership what it means to be a spiritual leader Christian conferencing Caring biblical basis for caring ministry acts of compassion and justice caring for creation Communication guidelines for respectful communication listening skills sharing faith stories Into the World understanding leaders' role in fulfilling the Great Commission importance of continued study and spiritual growth role of hospitality Appreciative Inquiry and Asset-Based Community Development Appendices include two letters to participants (depending on whether the course is taught in 5 sessions or over a weekend), a sample format for Christian conferencing, evaluation forms for communication session, and resources (scripture, song, and meditation) for each session. The Participant's Book for this course is: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book

You can believe anything and be a Methodist, just so long as you're sincere. Such a misperception has deep historical and cultural roots. Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline. Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you embrace the United Methodist way. "Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced," writes Carder in this updated edition of his 1996 bestseller. "The authenticity of beliefs lie in their ability to shape people and communities into the image of Christ and to promote holiness and happiness. …The important test of the validity of doctrines and beliefs for United Methodists is the kind of character they produce in individuals and communities and the actions they inspire in the world." Living Our Beliefs is essential reading for new members, confirmation classes and small group studies. As one reviewer says, "Bishop Carder invites us to both understand and live our beliefs. With deep understanding of Wesley's teaching, he inspires us to practice what we preach. That is the United Methodist way." The Leader's Guide for this course, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, by George Hovaness Donigan may be purchased here.

For the Common Good reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives each Christian one or more spiritual gifts to be used for the common good. It guides readers to discover their own particular gifts and learn to use their gifts to serve others. Examining key passages in Paul's writings, author Christine Harman leads readers through a personal spiritual gift assessment. She names 25 distinct spiritual gifts—such as discernment, hospitality, compassion, evangelism, or music—and helps people explore scripture references on each one. After identifying their particular gifts, clergy and laypeople will learn how to apply them for the good of their church, community, and the world. This book is ideal for both group study and self-discovery. The book also includes suggestions for how to build a ministry team based on the gifts of each individual. This book is the text for a Lay Servant Ministries advanced course on spiritual gifts. It also can be used for a small-group study.

A distinguished historian, academic and occasional evangelist I know was hushed by his stunned wife after he said to a friend he was visiting in the hospital, "I hope you don't die." A sentiment delivered sincerely but oh-so-awkwardly. Expressing care to someone in need--whether within the community of faith or beyond--may seem the most natural thing in the world. For some, it is; for others, it's less so. All can improve. Learn to reach out with God's love and care for others as outlined in this practical book. Farabaugh offers a systemic path for pastoral care using the gifts of the laity in the church. "At a district Council on Ministries' meeting, our conversation focused on the realization that most of the clergy had no assistance in the area of pastoral care and felt overwhelmed by their many, sometimes conflicting, responsibilities," writes Farabaugh. "Most of the churches did not train anyone in caring ministries. Today it is time for clergy and laity to partner in caring for one another." Unique to this course is the ongoing training and accountability meetings outlined for those in this invaluable ministry. During the monthly meetings, participants report on what they have learned and also study aspects of caring for situations and conditions of life, such as illness, suffering, grief and loss. Leader's Guide: Leading in Lay Pastoral Care