After becoming a Lay-Preacher-in-Training, the candidate will be expected to undertake and succeed in the course of study approved by Trinity College. Those who already possess other academic qualifications should forward their academic record via the Parish Superintendent to the Principal, Trinity College for approval.

In addition to academic requirements, a candidate for accreditation must have conducted, or taken a leading part in conducting, at least 10 services of worship in a Methodist, Co-operating or Union Parish.

Standards:

a) The Principal shall advise on the approved courses of study.
b) Any prior learning completed by a candidate must be approved by the Principal.

Accreditation

The rules for the accreditation of Lay Preachers are set out in the Methodist Law Book, Section 1-8.1 to 8.10.

Further qualifications for accreditation include:

(a) a demonstrated commitment to the life of the Church,
and
(b) a theological understanding acceptable within the Methodist Church.

When the Parish Meeting considers that a Lay Preacher-in-Training may be ready for accreditation:

• It will advise the Synod Superintendent who will appoint three hearers (normally one presbyter, one lay person from the congregation and one lay preacher) to evaluate a service of worship led by the candidate. They will also explore with the candidate issues of personal faith and theology and his/her sense of call and commitment to the Methodist Church of New Zealand, including its Mission Statement and bicultural journey.
• A report on the Lay Preacher-in-Training’s readiness will go first to his/her Parish Meeting. Once the Parish Meeting has assured itself of the candidate’s suitability as a Lay Preacher, the report is forwarded to the Synod Secretary.
• When accreditation has been approved by the Synod a certificate will be issued by the ecumenical New Zealand Lay Preachers Association (NZLPA) and presented during a service of worship.
• Application forms for certificates should be completed by the Parish Superintendent and are available from the NZLPA website at https://nzlpa.wordpress.com/how-to-join/nzlpa-forms/ or the NZLPA Registrar:
• Registrar Rachael Masterton
  267 Taieri Road
  Wakari
  Dunedin 9010
  ph. 027 237 3180
  email: [E-Mail not displayed]

The certificates are currently issued in English.

• The form should be sent to the NZLPA Registrar, with a fee of $25
• This covers the cost of production of the certificate and includes a year’s membership to the NZLPA and subscription to the quarterly magazine Word and Worship.

• Whilst accreditation is for life, the ‘recognition’ of Lay Preachers – whether accredited or not – as currently competent to conduct worship, is at the discretion of the Parish Meeting.
• All Lay Preachers are expected to be accredited, active, and upskilled (AAU) having led no fewer than 3 services and undertaken no less than 8 hours on-going training each year.
• All recognised Lay Preachers should expect to be given preaching opportunities regularly and may wish to consult the Parish Superintendent or Synod Superintendent if this is not happening.
• An annual return (sent by Lay Preachers or their Parish to the Methodist Lay Preachers Network Convenor Viv Whimster, email: [E-Mail not displayed]) enables the list of Lay Preachers included in the Yearbook to be accurate and current.

Consideration must be given to Lay Preachers qualified in English who come from other cultures. Such Lay Preachers are encouraged to spend some time in Aotearoa New Zealand congregations, study a course in the bicultural church or undertake a recognised course in Māori studies (e.g. through te Wananga) and must seek approval of the Parish or Leaders’ Meeting.

These guidelines were discussed informally with Mission Resourcing and the Superintendents of the cultural Synods at Conference 2014. They apply to those who have been accredited in one language and then seek accreditation in English as a second language.