Certified Lay Ministers: Can They Perform Weddings?

Certified lay ministers (CLMs) are laypersons who are not permitted to perform weddings, among other sacraments, such as receiving new members and performing baptisms. CLMs are, however, allowed to carry out all other pastoral leader duties within their assigned ministry setting. CLMs are also required to consult with their CLM mentor or district superintendent to ensure that there are no state laws prohibiting them from conducting civil ceremonies like funerals.

Certified lay ministers cannot perform weddings

Certified lay ministers (CLMs) are laypersons and, as such, are not permitted to perform weddings, receive new members, or conduct baptisms. While CLMs are equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, and preach the Word, they are not considered clergy and do not have sacramental authority.

The role of a CLM is to provide leadership and support within a ministry setting under the supervision and guidance of a clergyperson. They work as part of a ministry team and are often involved in developing new and existing faith communities, leading small groups, and establishing community outreach ministries. While they can conduct public worship and preach, they do not have the authority to perform sacraments such as weddings, baptisms, or the consecration of communion elements.

The distinction between a CLM and a clergy member is important to understand. A CLM does not hold the same authority or responsibilities as an ordained minister or elder. They are not appointed in the same way and do not have the same rights and functions, such as performing weddings or receiving new members. CLMs are also not addressed as "Pastor" or "Reverend" and should not wear clerical attire, such as a robe, stole, or collar.

It is crucial to note that, while CLMs cannot perform weddings, they can still play a significant role in wedding ceremonies. They may be involved in the planning and preparation, offering guidance and support to the couple and working with them to create a meaningful and personalized ceremony. However, the actual wedding ceremony and the legal act of marrying the couple would be performed by an ordained minister or someone with the necessary credentials to officiate a wedding.

In summary, certified lay ministers have a valuable role in providing leadership and support within a ministry setting. While they can conduct certain religious duties, they are not authorized to perform weddings or other sacraments. The role of a CLM is to work alongside and under the supervision of a clergyperson, contributing to the overall ministry and providing care and guidance to the congregation.

They can, however, conduct public worship

Certified lay ministers (CLMs) are laypersons and, as such, cannot consecrate the elements at communion, perform weddings, receive new members, or perform baptisms. However, they can conduct public worship.

According to the 2016 Book of Discipline, a CLM is "a certified lay servant, certified lay missioner, (or equivalent as defined by his or her central conference) who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community outreach ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person."

CLMs are unique, recognised lay servants in the United Methodist Church. They are intended for missional leadership in churches or other ministry settings as part of a team ministry under the supervision of a clergyperson. This category of ministry is a continuation of the historic lay leadership in the church, as a CLM resembles earlier Exhorters, Class Leaders, Lay Preachers, and Missioners.

CLMs are assigned as part of a ministry team and are not appointed. They are accountable to the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries for overall oversight, to the district superintendent and/or supervising clergyperson for service, to the District Committee on Ministry for interview and recommendation of certification, and to the supervisory group within the ministry setting who will conduct a ministry review.

While CLMs can conduct public worship, they do not have sacramental authority at any time. Appropriate attire for a CLM is regular "go-to-church" clothes, an alb, or a sash/praise garment. They should not wear a clergy robe, stole, or collar. CLMs should also not assume the title "Pastor" or be addressed as "Reverend".

They can also care for the congregation

Certified lay ministers (CLMs) are laypersons and therefore cannot perform weddings, among other sacraments such as receiving new members and performing baptisms. However, they can care for the congregation in several ways.

Firstly, CLMs can conduct public worship and lead small groups. This includes preaching the Word and establishing community outreach ministries, but always under the supervision of a clergyperson. CLMs can also assist in program leadership and develop new and existing faith communities.

The role of a CLM is to provide leadership and care within a congregation, but they are not considered clergy and should not present themselves as such. They are accountable to the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries for overall oversight, to the district superintendent and/or supervising clergyperson for service, and to the supervisory group within the ministry setting who will conduct a ministry review.

CLMs are equipped to care for the congregation through training, support, supervision, and accountability. This includes participating in training and development, such as the Basic Lay Servant Ministries course and the Spiritual Gifts advanced LSM course.

Overall, while CLMs cannot perform weddings, they play an important role in caring for the congregation through various forms of leadership, supervision, and accountability.

They can assist in program leadership

Certified lay ministers (CLMs) are laypersons and, as such, are not permitted to perform weddings, receive new members, or perform baptisms. However, they can assist in program leadership and perform all other duties of a pastoral leader within their assigned ministry setting.

CLMs are called and equipped to assist in program leadership as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person. This involves working collaboratively with the supervising clergyperson and the ministry team to ensure the smooth running of programs and initiatives within the church.

CLMs assist in program leadership by providing guidance, support, and direction to the ministry team. They help develop and implement programs that align with the church's mission and vision. This may include creating and coordinating faith-based programs, community outreach initiatives, and small group activities. CLMs also assist in promoting these programs to the congregation and the wider community, ensuring their success and impact.

Additionally, CLMs are often involved in strategic planning, working closely with the clergy and other ministry team members to identify the needs of the congregation and develop programs that address those needs. They may also be responsible for evaluating existing programs, making recommendations for improvement, and ensuring that programs are well-organised and effectively led.

CLMs also play a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships with the congregation and community. They assist in program leadership by connecting with people, understanding their needs and interests, and encouraging their participation in church programs. CLMs foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring that all members of the congregation feel valued and supported.

Furthermore, CLMs assist in program leadership by providing spiritual guidance and support to the ministry team and the congregation. They help integrate faith into programs, offering biblical insights and encouraging spiritual growth among participants. CLMs also assist in creating and leading prayer and worship experiences that align with the beliefs and traditions of the church.

Overall, CLMs play a vital role in assisting with program leadership, ensuring that the church's programs are well-organised, faith-based, and responsive to the needs of the congregation and community.

They can establish community outreach ministries

Certified lay ministers (CLMs) are not permitted to perform weddings, among other ceremonies such as communion, receiving new members, and performing baptisms. However, they are able to establish community outreach ministries.

CLMs are laity who have dedicated themselves to the local church and are committed to serving in a concrete and long-term manner. They are supervised by a licensed or ordained pastor and are part of a ministry team. Their responsibilities may include conducting public worship, caring for the congregation, assisting in program leadership, and developing new and existing faith communities.

CLMs can play a vital role in establishing community outreach ministries by leveraging their skills and calling. They can identify and address the needs of the local community, whether it be through social services, spiritual guidance, or other forms of support. By working collaboratively with their ministry team and under the guidance of their clergy supervisor, CLMs can develop and implement outreach programs that align with the mission and values of their church.

For example, a CLM might initiate a food drive for a local food bank, organize volunteer opportunities for church members to serve at a homeless shelter, or start a support group for individuals facing addiction or other personal struggles. They might also establish partnerships with other community organizations to amplify their impact and better serve those in need.

Additionally, CLMs can utilize their knowledge of the local community and its unique challenges to tailor their outreach efforts effectively. They can build relationships with community members, fostering trust and understanding, and thus creating a more meaningful and responsive ministry. Through their dedication and service, CLMs can make a tangible difference in the lives of those around them, embodying the values of their faith and contributing to the betterment of society.

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