Course Catalog

Certified Lay Ministry Certificate

The Certificate of Lay Ministry is offered through George W. Truett Theological Seminary’s Online Certificate Program. Truett Seminary is an approved educational institution for the Global Methodist Church.

For over a decade, Truett’s Online Certificate Program has equipped lay and bi-vocational leaders for faithful ministry through substantive, flexible, church-centered, practice-oriented courses. The Certificate of Lay Ministry certificate is a six-course pathway that aligns with the Global Methodist Church’s foundational requirements for Certified Lay Ministers — forming leaders in theological depth, spiritual maturity, and practical ministry skill without the need for them to leave their local congregation. Courses are fully online and asynchronous, and most students take one at a time.

Certificate of Lay Ministry- Required Courses

GMC Foundation Area	Course
Understanding the Call & Means of Grace	TCP-001 Orientation & Foundation
Basic Bible	TPC-002 Biblical Interpretation
Global Methodist History & Polity	CLM-003 Wesleyan History & Polity
Theology & Doctrine of the GMC	CLM-004 Introduction to Wesleyan Theology
Congregational Care & Ethics	TCP-007 Pastoral Care
Disciple-Making, Mission & Evangelism	TCP-008 Christian Witness

Advanced Courses - Optional

TCP-005 Survey of the Old Testament

TCP-006 Survey of the New Testament

TCP-009 Preaching 1

More than information, the program aims at formation — the historic means of grace, accountable discipleship, discernment of call, and a Wesleyan pattern of holiness lived out in the local church. Each course pairs curated excerpts and primary sources with practice-based assignments and regular instructor feedback.

Credential: Completion fulfills the educational requirements for Certified Lay Minister status in the Global Methodist Church. Truett Seminary’s program is endorsed by the MidTexas Conference Board of Ministry. Certification itself is granted by your Annual Conference Board of Ministry.

Additionally, Truett Seminary is actively pursuing broader approval opportunities that would allow Certified Lay Minister candidates from across the denomination to complete their required training through the Online Certificate Program, regardless of geographic location.

CLM003: Wesleyan History and Polity
Fee: $250.00
Instructor: J. David Tate, DMin.

This 12-week course is taught in two parts. The first six weeks cover the history of the Christian church from the early church through the modern era. Not a comprehensive academic survey, but a vibrant and engaging look at the shared story every Christian inherits. The goal is to know the people, movements, and moments that shaped the faith we practice today.

The second six weeks focus specifically on the Wesleyan Methodist tradition. Equal attention is given to polity, how the GMC structures its conferences and leadership, what role lay ministers play within a connectional church, and what the GMC's founding documents say about authority, worship, and ministry.

It is detailed enough to equip those in active lay ministry, but not overwhelming for those newer to Methodist history or denominational life.

Prerequisites: TCP-001 and TCP-002
Required Textbooks: Jones, Timothy Paul. Christian History Made Easy. Rose Publishing, 2010. Barbeau, Jeffrey W. The Spirit of Methodism. IVP Academic, 2019. Global Methodist Church. Book of Doctrines and Discipline. 2024.
Instructor: J. David Tate, DMin.

Note: This course is part of the Truett Wesley House of Studies Certified Lay Ministry Certificate

Some Title