General Information
The Network is for certificated and ‘in training’ lay preachers in Methodist and Uniting Churches.
The Methodist Lay Preachers Network was initiated by the Methodist Conference in 2003
Its purpose is to process Lay Preacher business pertaining to Methodist and Uniting Churches.
The Network maintains a data-base of Methodist and Uniting Church Lay Preachers.
The Network aims to:
a) keep Methodist Lay Preachers in connection with each other
b) support Lay Preachers by aiding them to be resourced, mentored, and valued
c) maintain preaching standards by promoting on-going education and accountability
d) encourage emerging worship leaders to become certificated
The Network promotes intentional commitment and encourages all Lay Preachers to pay the annual subscription to the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association and read the Lay Preachers magazine “Word and Worship”. The network urges all active lay preachers to keep upskilled’ through on-going training and theological reading.
The Network functions mostly by email. It has a small facilitation team and a Network Nucleus comprised of one or two appointed lay preacher representatives from each Synod.
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If you are considering lay preaching, or want to participate in or lead a group for potential worship leaders, contact Rev Dr David Bell, Ministry Development, phone 09 521 2073, for the handbook “Lead Worship!” – a workbook course for worship leaders and lay preachers.
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The New Zealand Lay Preachers Association (the ecumenical lay preachers organisation) can be contacted through the president, Mary Stanton, Phone 03 359 9815. To apply for initial or Long Service Certificates contact Hugh Williams.
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To subscribe to ‘Word & Worship’ contact Margaret Inglis (Treasurer), phone 03 389 3498.
Certification
Lay Preacher Certificates are issued by the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association but Synods are the accrediting body. Trinity Theological College offers home-setting lay preachers courses but there are other ways of gaining the necessary qualifications. Trinity College will make academic decision on each candidate. The practical requirements are the same for all - candidates must be in good standing with their parish, have taken a leading role in no less than ten services, including a Trial Service, where the candidate is critiqued by a presbyter, a lay preacher, and a member of the congregation. After a successful critiquing the presbyter makes a formal recommendation to the Synod. The Synod is encouraged to ‘test the call’ by meeting with the candidate before applying to the NZLPA for the certificate. The cost to the Synod is $20. This includes the first year’s subscription to the lay preachers magazine Word and Worship. The Synod may present the certificate or arrange for it to be presented in the local parish setting with due ceremony.
Standards
The Network promotes high standards in worship leading, accountability, and support for lay preachers. To this end the Network has established a status of Accredited Active and Upskilled. To be registered as currently Accredited, Active and Upskilled the lay preacher must have taken a major role in no less than 3 services and attended no less than 8 hours on-going training in the previous year. Presbyters are asked to confirm the current status of their lay preachers each December. It is expected that active lay preachers will subscribe to Word and Worship and do other theological reading. It is hoped that the Synod and the local parish presbyters will take continuing responsibility for the professional development of their lay preachers.
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