Congregational Development
The Office of Congregational Development seeks to help and empower clergy and lay leaders discover innovative ways to revitalize their congregation and impact their community.
Leadership Opportunity: This and That
Congregations in South Georgia are invited to apply to participate in a “This and That Think Tank” to begin developing models for effective hybrid ministry in their context. Upon completing the Think Tank, the laity and clergy of each congregation may submit a grant request for funding for their ministry to Congregational Development. In addition to the financial grants, congregations selected will also be given a technical coach who will help them successfully implement their ministry plan. Click here to learn more.
Leadership Opportunity: Peer Pastor Network
South Georgia’s Peer Pastor Networks are groups of pastors in similar situations living into the reality of who we truly are as a connectional church.
We have Peer Pastor Networks based around many different similar situations including:
- Team Builders- Pastors leading large staff teams
- Large Church Pastors
- Next Level- Younger clergy
- Finish Strong- Seasoned clergy in their last appointment
- Start Right- Pastors in their first appointment
Our goal is to bring pastors in similar situations into an authentic community designed to foster mutual learning directed towards: spiritual formation, leadership, life management, and skill development.
For more information about the Peer Pastor Networks, e-mail anne@thechapelministries.com.
Lay Ministry Opportunities: Lay Servant & Certified Lay Minister
Laity have been at the heart of the United Methodist church since its beginning. While circuit riders came and went between multiple charges, the laity provided consistency, shepherding, and care for each other. The role of laity is no less important in today’s church and we desire to help equip the laity of the South Georgia conference to continue to live out this rich heritage. There are three certified levels of lay ministry training available to laity who want to grow in their leadership within the local church.
Basic Lay
Servant
Lay Servant training is designed to educate those persons interested in stretching their faith to participate more fully in the ministries of the church. They have three main areas of focus: Leading, Caring, and Communicating.
The basic class is based on Cokesbury’s book, “Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course,” which teaches a basic understanding of ministry in the United Methodist Tradition.
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Advanced Lay Servant
Lay Servant training is designed to educate those persons interested in stretching their faith to participate more fully in the ministries of the church. They have three main areas of focus: Leading, Caring, and Communicating.
The advanced class, based on Cokesbury’s book, “Each One a Minister,” by William Carter is a study of the book of Ephesians and what it teaches us about how we are called to use our spiritual gifts.
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Certified Lay Minister
A Certified Lay Minister shall preach the Word, provide care to the congregation, assist in program leadership, witness to the community, develop new and existing faith communities, lead small groups, and establish outreach ministries. The CLM is supported by a mutual ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person and mentor. A certified lay minister is assigned by a district superintendent in accordance with ¶419.2 in the Book of Discipline.
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