Stewardship is a dirty word in most churches. Pastors preach about it knowing they must, while members sit uncomfortably through the "it's-that-time-again" sermons and other appeals. Church members need to be encouraged to go beyond thinking in terms of dollars contributed in order to see stewardship as becoming living examples of the gospel. Included in the basic text Afire with God are examples for faithful stewardship of the earth, ways to reinvigorate stewardship in worship, long-range pl...

Concepts in Leadership II is designed to be a refresher course for local church lay speakers, but it may be used for leadership development in any setting. Designed to be taught in one 5-hour session, this PDF-formatted course may be divided into multiple sessions for use in a Sunday school class or small-group setting. After completing this course, participants will be able to: Recognize God's call upon them to leadership Describe the spiritual nature of leadership and use spiritual pract...

This is a course on teaching and leader development, intended for educators and volunteers in the local church, as well as those seeking advanced certification for lay speaking. "The Lay Speaking Ministries of The United Methodist Church provide an opportunity for called and dedicated Christians to serve in their congregations and communities," writes Hynson. "As you progress in developing your service and skills as a lay speaker, this course will help you become more competent in teaching an...

Leader's Guide Participants are guided in discerning God's direction for their lives, practicing daily disciplines, and reaching out in love. The textbook for this course is Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper. Available ONLY as a PDF download.

The purpose of this module is to: provide a basic overview of the call to ministry, theology, and ordering of ministry in The United Methodist Church; explain the role of certified lay minister; support the formation of a mutual ministry team for learning and leading in the congregation; develop a ministry covenant to guide the mission of the church. Notes: Permission is granted to the purchaser to photocopy for educational purposes. Sorry, this item is not eligible for special promotio...

This module covers basic skills the certified lay minister should know: leading worship preaching and sharing faith forming discipleship ministries providing congregational care. The Practice of Ministry is intended to be used by the certified lay minister, the mutual ministry team supporting the process in the local church, and the equipping clergyperson assigned. Notes: Permission is granted to the purchaser to photocopy for educational purposes. Sorry, this item is not eligible for s...

An examination of the purpose of meetings, planning meetings, and dealing with change and conflict. Each PDF in the "What Every Leader Needs to Know" series provides practical, basic help to enable leaders to create environments for faith formation, model Christian spiritual development grounded in the means of grace, and equip all people to be in ministry in their daily lives. Also included are interactive exercises and a bibliography for additional exploration of the subject. Ideal for past...

PDF Download Connects congregational mission and vision with the gifts needed to accomplish such a purpose. Each PDF in the "What Every Leader Needs to Know" series provides practical, basic help to enable leaders to create environments for faith formation, model Christian spiritual development grounded in the means of grace, and equip all people to be in ministry in their daily lives. Also included are interactive exercises and a bibliography for additional exploration of the subject. Ideal...

PDF Download A look at spiritual leadership and the practices of Christian community. Each PDF in the "What Every Leader Needs to Know" series provides practical, basic help to enable leaders to create environments for faith formation, model Christian spiritual development grounded in the means of grace, and equip all people to be in ministry in their daily lives. Also included are interactive exercises and a bibliography for additional exploration of the subject. Ideal for pastors, Sunday sc...

PDF Download Offers biblical and contemporary examples of prayer and leadership. Each PDF in the "What Every Leader Needs to Know" series provides practical, basic help to enable leaders to create environments for faith formation, model Christian spiritual development grounded in the means of grace, and equip all people to be in ministry in their daily lives. Also included are interactive exercises and a bibliography for additional exploration of the subject. Ideal for pastors, Sunday school ...