Introduction
In the United Methodist Church (UMC), lay leadership has always been vital. Lay Servants—those who lead worship, teach, preach, and assist with ministries—carry a great responsibility. To do this effectively, they need a solid foundation in theology. Join me explore how even basic theological education shapes Lay Servants, helping them grow in their understanding of scripture, build leadership skills, and take on practical ministry with confidence. It has been my vision to see more lay leaders equip for the ministry to work hand in hand with their Pastors.
- Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Scripture
Theological education isn’t just for pastors. Lay Servants benefit from it just as much, especially when it comes to understanding the Bible. A structured study of scripture helps them move beyond surface-level reading to interpret passages more thoughtfully. When Lay Servants receive training in Bible study or theology, their teaching and preaching naturally improve.
John Wesley believed deeply in “scriptural holiness.” For him, knowing the Bible was key to living a holy life. When Lay Servants learn how to read and interpret scripture with this in mind, their ministry reflects that depth. One scholar puts it well: “Theological education equips laypersons to lead from a place of informed conviction, aligning their ministry with the Wesleyan tradition of grace, justice, and scriptural integrity.”¹ With this kind of foundation, Lay Servants are better able to teach and lead their congregations.
- Developing Leadership Skills
Leadership is about more than just stepping up—it’s about being equipped. Lay Servants need to understand how the UMC operates, and how they fit into the broader mission of the church. Theological education helps them gain this knowledge, giving them a sense of direction as they serve.
Courses on leadership and the church’s governing structure, known as polity, are key. These help Lay Servants understand the UMC’s mission and how to support it. They also gain confidence. As one expert explains, “Basic theological education provides lay leaders with the knowledge and confidence they need to fulfill their responsibilities as worship leaders, educators, and pastoral caregivers.”² Armed with this knowledge, Lay Servants are ready to make meaningful contributions to their churches.
- Equipping for Practical Ministry
Lay Servants do a lot. Whether it’s leading worship, visiting the sick, teaching Sunday school, or organizing outreach, they’re involved in the practical, everyday life of the church. Theological education helps them do these things with a clear understanding of why they matter.
John Wesley was big on “practical divinity”—the idea that faith and action should go hand-in-hand. Lay Servants who study theology can connect their faith with their work. It’s about understanding the “why” behind what they do. As one theologian puts it, “Theological education helps lay ministers understand the theological implications of their actions, ensuring that their work in areas like social justice, care for the marginalized, and evangelism is theologically sound.”³ By grounding their work in sound theology, Lay Servants can help fulfill the UMC’s mission: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”⁴
Conclusion
Basic theological education is more than just academic—it’s transformational for Lay Servants. It helps them understand scripture deeply, develop essential leadership skills, and approach their ministries with both heart and head. With this foundation, Lay Servants can serve their communities more effectively, reflecting the core values of grace, justice, and holiness that are central to the United Methodist Church.
Footnotes
- Laura Bartlett, Shaped by Scripture: Theological Education and Lay Ministry in the Wesleyan Tradition (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2019), 56.
- Henry H. Knight III, Wesleyan Leadership in the Local Church (Nashville: Kingswood Books, 2017), 83.
- Richard P. Heitzenrater, Practical Divinity: Readings in Wesleyan Theology (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003), 121.
- The United Methodist Church, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 (Nashville: United Methodist Publishing House, 2016), 95.
