Certified Lay Minister Course: Holiness of Heart & Life in the Story, Theology, & Mission of the GMC

Despite the bold promises of the Christian faith, many American churches are in steady decline, even as societal problems like addiction, poverty, and crime continue to rise. This has led many to ask, “Is there still hope to see God at work in our communities today?” We invite you to join us for a training event where we will address these challenges head-on through engaging teaching, thoughtful content, and meaningful discussions. On March 29, from 9am-5pm CST, we will explore how the Scriptures and lessons from our Methodist movement can help you grow as a missional leader experiencing holiness in both heart and life—through a deeper look at the history, beliefs, and mobilization of the Global Methodist Church from the time of John Wesley to today.

You’ll gain a better understanding of why Wesley’s movement had such a lasting impact, the struggles it faced as it spread, and the steps we can take together in the Global Methodist Church to rediscover our movement’s first passion and call—spreading scriptural holiness around the world. By the end of the event, you’ll be informed, equipped, and excited about God’s saving power and how to share that hope with your community and our world in need.

Instructors: The training will be led by a gifted team of Global Methodist leaders. Rev. Jay Archer, a seasoned Methodist pastor serving on the MidSouth connectional council and board of ministry. Rev. Kyle Frohock, an experienced Methodist leader at the intersection of church, culture, and mission currently serving Spanish-speaking pastors with The Wesley Heritage Foundation and pursuing a PhD in mission studies from Fuller Seminary. Rev. Stephen Lee, a Methodist pastor of 30 years currently serving as a presiding elder in the MidSouth Conference and pastor of Manchester First Methodist Church.

Course Outline: This training serves as the GMC History, Polity, and Theology course for Certified Lay Ministry. You can view the course outline here.

Required Texts: Participants should come to the training having read The Most Excellent Way: John Wesley’s Theology of Love by Joseph Dongell (82 pages, Seedbed), What Does Grace Have to Do with Me? by Andrew Thompson (31 pages, Seedbed), The following sections in The Book of Doctrines & Disciplines of the Global Methodist Church, 2024 Edition: ¶101 Our Heritage of Faith, ¶102 Our Doctrinal Heritage, ¶103 Principles of Our Life Together (4 pages). All other resources will be provided during the training. A bibliography will be made available for further study.

Registration: Registration is $30 and includes lunch. Please complete registration online here. Financial assistance is available. For more information or to speak with the event coordinator, please contact Jay Archer at jayarcher@citlink.net.

Additional Details: Childcare will not be available. Please let us know of any ADA requirements or special meal requirements. Snacks will be provided.