The Mission and Ministry of a CLM

The primary intent for Certified Lay Minister (CLM) at its inception was to serve as a congregational leader in smaller churches as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. CLMs may preach the word, and guide the program ministry and mission of a congregation. However CLMs may provide leadership in many other contexts and have responsibility for other expressions of mission and ministry both within the congregation and in the community, district, or annual conference.

While CLMs can provide the essential guidance and pastoral leadership and services necessary for effective mission and ministry in churches, they are not intended to replace clergy, but rather to work beside them and with them as part of a team ministry. As such, they do not wear clerical robes or stoles, and do not have sacramental authority (such as serving Communion or performing baptisms).

Rather than using deficit thinking (we have a clergy shortage, lack of funds for traditional pastoral leadership in our small church, use certified lay speakers already…), it is helpful to see CLMs as an asset (an extension of clergy/lay leadership) in missional settings, such as our smaller congregations, faith communities, ethnic/culturally diverse ministries, and other places where team ministry is valued.

Although certified lay speakers had been placed in a similar role before the 2004 General Conference, it is now the intent of the church that a CLM be used in those situations. The certification process prepares the CLM to be an intentional, holistic congregational leader assigned under the supervision of an equipping clergyperson in a team ministry. The CLM is not intended for occasional pulpit supply.

Ways that CLMs are currently being used include:

• Preaching the Word.


• Providing a care ministry program for a congregation.


• Assisting in program leadership.


• Providing stability in a small church that has experienced frequent turnover in pastoral leadership.


• Being from the specific culture or ethnic group an existing congregation is trying to reach as a new faith community. Indigenous leadership can be essential in this situation!


• Leading as part of a pastoral team in circuits, parishes or clusters (each church could have a dedicated CLM).


• Joining a team of 2-4 CLMs to serve a congregation previously served by a full-time elder. The CLMs can help transition to a new form of leadership or time commitment.


• Developing CLMs for specialized ministry as part of church staff in larger churches.


• Serving smaller churches around a larger "hub" church that does not have consistent pastoral leadership, rotating the clergyperson for sacramental life in each place and covering each pulpit.


• Deploying qualified CLMs for missional leadership in new church starts or redevelopments.


• Forming a ministry team for regional mission.


• Removing a congregation from a multi-point charge that is not thriving to have its own pastoral leader.


• Providing a break for a congregation that has been hurt by clergy misconduct or crisis.


• Developing indigenous or residential leaders in ethnic, cultural or socioeconomic communities distinct from the majority population.


• Restarting an urban mission.


• Beginning new ministries in partnership with organizations beyond the church (nursing homes, jails, rehabilitation centers, YMCA, etc.).

The district superintendent may also approve a CLM to perform, or assist clergy, at marriages and funerals (if allowed by the state, and supported by the annual conference guidelines). The CLM may also lead a service sharing Holy Communion already consecrated by clergy.

It may be helpful to understand the definitions of the various words used about ministerial positions in The United Methodist Church:

• Celebrant: A term for the person leading a worship service that includes the sacrament of Communion. In most cases, only an ordained clergy can be a celebrant.



• Certified Lay Minister: A qualified lay person may be assigned as a congregational leader with pastoral responsibilities. These individuals must serve as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson.



• Clergy: People who are called to an itinerant ministry under the placement of a bishop. Elders, deacons and licensed local pastors are all recognized as clergy and subject to the appointment of their bishop.



• Deacon: The word deacon comes from the Greek diakonos, which means servant. Today, a deacon is ordained for community service and witness and is considered clergy. A deacon does not have sacramental authority, however.



• Elder: Elder is the English word which translates from the Greek word presbuteros. Today, an elder is someone who has attended seminary and has been ordained by the bishop for itinerant ministry.



• Licensed Local Pastor: A person who has attended the conference school of ministry and made the decision to complete a "Course of Study" can be be licensed. These individuals are considered clergy and appointed annually for service as a pastor to a congregation. Their license is only in effect when they are appointed to a local congregation.



• Minister: Minister is the Latin word that means "doer of little deeds." In some churches, the word minister denotes a person who is charged with the spiritual care of a congregation. Minister is a generic term that includes all who are baptized and assist in the mission and ministry of the church: clergy or lay. All of the following are recognized ministers on the United Methodist Church: bishops, elders, deacons, licensed local pastors, and Certified Lay Ministers.



• Pastor: Pastor is the Latin word for shepherd. This word refers to the minister who is charged with the primary spiritual care of a local church.



• Reverend: The term reverend is an adjective that simply indicates that a person is clergy. It is meant as a title of respect and used in communications.