The Pittsburgh District Lay Ministry Team is happy to announce the 2025 Fall Lay Servant Ministry classes will begin in September. The class schedule was designed for participants to take multiple classes if they wish. Classes are open to anyone. Registration is open and required. Class fees vary.
The Basic Course and Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts are available for in-person, synchronous Zoom class, or hybrid. Registration closes 2 weeks before the class begins.
2025 Courses Offered
The Basic Course
This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended, and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.
Instructor: Rev. Matt Price
Location: In person at Coraopolis UMC (1205 Ridge Avenue, Coraopolis), online, or hybrid
Book: Lay Servant Ministries, Basic Course Participant's Book by Sandra Jackson and Brian Jackson
When: Saturdays, October 4 and 18, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm (bring lunch)
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
This course is designed to help laity connect their spiritual gifts with their calling to serve within, and beyond, the local church, fostering a gifts-based ministry system. The course aims to equip leaders, both lay and clergy, to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Instructor: Rev. Joshua Demi
Location: In person at Coraopolis UMC (1205 Ridge Avenue, Coraopolis), online, or hybrid
Book: For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts by Dr. Christine Harman
When: Saturdays, October 11 and 25, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm (bring lunch)
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs
This course examines the theology, witness, and organization of The United Methodist Church, exploring how its distinctive emphases remain relevant in the 21st-century church.
Instructor: Rev. Dennis Lawton
Location: In person only, at Coraopolis UMC (1205 Ridge Avenue, Coraopolis)
Book: Living Our Beliefs: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs by George Hovaness Donigian
When: Sundays, October 5, 12, 19, 26; 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
More Lay Servant Ministry Classes Being Offered
The Fall Indiana and Johnstown Districts Lay Servant Ministry School is offering the classes listed below to help laity respond to their personal call in ministry and the life of the church. The classes run on five consecutive Sundays, October 5, 12, 19, and 26, and November 2, 2:30–5:00 pm. There is no cost for the classes, however, you need to purchase the book required for your class. Be sure to order and receive your course book so you begin reading it prior to attending class. Registration ends October 1.
This flyer has more detailed information and the registration form. You may also register here. Classes are open to everyone, not just Lay Servants. The Book of Discipline (¶251) urges Church Lay Leaders to become Certified Lay Servants.
The Basic Course
Fresh Expressions of Faith
Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love