Lay Preaching

NC Synod Lay Preaching Certification

About

The NC Synod is offering a Holy Innovation that will, for the first time, lead to the commissioning of lay preachers to serve in our congregations throughout North Carolina.

This is a unique opportunity to serve in the synod. Lay preachers will be scheduled through the NC Synod office to preach in congregations that have a leadership vacancy or utilize supply ministry on Sunday mornings.

Training Information

Lay preachers will serve at the endorsement of Bishop Smith after completing training and practicum. The certification training will include two weekend retreats at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory:

• September 7-9, 2018, Retreat I: Reading & Interpreting Scripture
• January 25-27, 2019, Retreat II: Crafting & Delivering Sermons

Additionally, between the retreats, you will work in a small groups via monthly video conference with a coach to hone skills needed in preaching:

• September – December, Group Lectio – Monthly opportunity to reflect on a particular text and practice reading and interpreting scripture.
• February – April, Group Preaching – Each member of the small group will write/preach three sermons and reflect together.

The final time together will be a one day gathering in May that will focus on the logistics of being a lay preacher in the synod. Our hope is to commission these lay preachers at Synod Assembly in 2019.

How to Apply

Be in conversation with your pastor and prayerfully consider serving in this way. Then, either complete the application or contact The Rev. Sara Ilderton for more information.