OP: IAM 2012

John 14:6: Jesus said to him, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

"The rise of American Methodism is largely the story of self-motivated laypeople whose experience of God’s redeeming grace compelled them to preach and organize societies, which later were linked together to form the earliest connection..."

“That Dear Man of God:” Edward Evans and the Origins of American Methodism

The continuation of American Methodism can be the story of self-motivated laypeople whose experience of God’s redeeming grace compels them to preach and organize societies, which continues to link together the form of the earliest connection - to present day connection...

LAY SPEAKING MINISTRY IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

As lay speakers lead, care, and communicate, - they encourage, equip, and support others for deeper commitment to Christ and to faithful discipleship...

Guided by Whitfield, the eight leaders drew up regulations for their association. "I was stunned to see his amazing wisdom, wherein he is taught to manage the church, doing all calmly and wisely, following the Lord," wrote Harris. The organizers appointed ordained ministers to be overseers, each with a district under him, and appointed lay workers throughout Wales to fill two newly created offices: superintendent and exhorter. Exhorters were divided into two sorts--public (those who had the gift to speak to large crowds) and private (those who worked best with small groups and in homes). Each exhorter was put in charge of twelve to fourteen societies. The committee set duties and terms of admission for the offices. Moorfields Tabernacle, a London church, built by Whitfield in 1741, often served as his base of operations when he was in England. The Methodists designated this as their headquarters. They established a regular schedule of local and regional conferences...

January 5, 1743 Calvinist Methodists Met to Make Arrangements

Lay Speaking Ministries had its origins in the early organization of the Wesleyan revival in England. With more societies than ordained clergy, John Wesley authorized the use of lay assistants who preached and conducted worship in the absence of clergy. Speaking from the pulpit has always been one important role of the lay speaker. However, many lay speakers never speak from the pulpit. Today there are a wide range of functions, both in the church and in the world.

Lay Speakers show their faith by responding to others with care-giving love and service. Some are involved with crisis ministries or hospital visitation, while still others visit in nursing homes. Some share in caring one-on-one or are involved in specialized ministry in their community.

The Scriptures and Christian experience point to the importance of proclaiming God's transforming love. Lay Speakers fill pulpits; lead Bible studies; teach/lead Sunday school classes; speak at retirement centers, to prisoners, and at youth group gatherings, as well as teach and facilitate in other small group settings.

Lay Speaking Ministries help Christians to claim their spiritual gifts, talents and skills, by offering them empowering training. This training encourages them to find places to use their God given gifts in ministry while providing them a network of support.

Credit-IGRC 2010