Certified Lay Minister Program (CLayM)

The Certified Lay Minister (CLayM) training program trains lay persons for effective and expanded service in the local church and community. It began with the intention of providing lay pastors when traditional forms of clergy service were not feasible, allowing vital churches with low income and/or membership to serve their communities.

Now, in addition to serving as solo pastors, CLayM graduates provide specialized and associate ministries. Most graduates continue to serve God through their local churches, becoming effective ministers of the Gospel.

Certified Lay Ministry Training provides an opportunity for spiritual discernment, as well as tools for worship leading, preaching, Bible study, and all aspects of local church leadership. The training empowers and equips lay people to serve God in ministry and advances the work of the California-Nevada Annual Conference in making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

There are three ways to take CLayM training.

1. CLayMAway - a two-week residential training.

Monday, October 29 - Friday, November 2, 2012
Monday, January 21 - Friday, January 25, 2013

2. CLayM@Home - training via DVD.

Most of the instruction is through distance learning with approximately four months to complete the training. There will be two mandatory weekend retreats at the conclusion of each of two sessions. There are three cycles available.

CYCLE 1
Session 1: July 9 – August 17
Retreat 1: August 18 & 19
Session 2: August 27 – October 5
Retreat 2: October 6 & 7
CYCLE 2
Session1: September 3 – October 12
Retreat 1: October 13 & 14
Session 2: October 15 - November 30
Retreat 2: December 1 & 2
CYCLE 3
Session 1: January 7 – February 15
Retreat 1: February 16 & 17
Session 2: February 25 – April 19
Retreat 2 April 20 & 21

3. CLayMTEL - online program with the Pacific School of Religion

CLayMTEL is a United Methodist extension of the PSR/TEL offering. The program is year long with new courses each month. Entry can be at anytime through the year. Contact Perry Polk at claymaway@aol.com for more information.

For more information download:

Letter from Perry Polk (PDF)

ClayM Program Reference Form (PDF)
CLayM Application (PDF)

And watch the video of Perry Polk, CLayM Program Director in the video library, Reel Witness.

To register and for further information contact:

Perry Polk, Training Coordinator

claymaway@aol.com or 707-422-4595