VAUMC Events
Lay Servant Training
September 19, 2026
The next Valley Ridge District Lay Servant Ministry Training will be held September 19 at Greenville UMC. The training will be held from 8:30am-4:30pm. Each course requires 2-4 hours of advanced reading. This opportunity allows lay persons to fulfill the Book of Discipline requirements for certification as a Certified Lay Servant, work toward becoming a Certified Lay Speaker, or maintain their certification by completing a required advanced course.
The cost is $15, which covers snacks and lunch. Payment can be made in advance either virtually or by check mailed to the Valley Ridge District Office (26 Orr Drive, Fishersville VA 22939), or on the day of the event with exact cash only.
Please complete the registration form below to secure your spot. REGISTER
For registration questions: contact Rev. Tim Gearheart at timgearheart@vaumc.org.
For questions about the training: contact Rev. Paige Swaim-Presley at paigeswaim@vaumc.org.
BASIC LAY SERVANT COURSE
Instructor: Rev. Warren Carswell (from Genesis UMC)
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. (from Lay Servant Ministries Catalog 2025, UMC Discipleship Ministries)
Text: The Upper Room Store & Resource Library - Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book
ADVANCED COURSES:
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Instructor: Tammy Burdick, Mountain View
By reading, discussing, and engaging in practical exercises, participants will discover that God gives spiritual grace gifts for two purposes: one, to uniquely serve on a personal level, and two, how gifts and the gifts of others work together in their church for the common good. (from LSM Catalog 2025)
Text: For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts
PUBLIC PRAYER
Instructor: Rev. Jonathan Greer, Pastor at Cherryvale UMC
Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and enrich their personal prayer life. (from LSM Catalog 2025)