Northwest District Lay Servant Ministries

04/29/2026

If you get something that looks like this (or similar), it is SPAM. The ARUMC email addresses are sending this out to what seems like anyone that has ever received emails from arumc.org. DON'T CLICK ON THEM!

03/10/2026

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries will be offered at Eureka Springs UMC April 11th from 9-4.
Book: Basic Course Participant's Book by Sandy Jackson & Brian Jackson
Register here: https://arumc.org/our-ministries/lay-servant-ministries/
Scholarships available-email [email protected]
*This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.

Lay Servant Ministries is a United Methodist leadership development program that is focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through....

02/04/2026

UPCOMING CLASS
Fractured Ground: Preaching in the Wake of Mass Trauma

A practical guide that helps pastors and pulpit supply respond faithfully after communal trauma, offering theological grounding and sermon tools for speaking into grief, disruption, and hope.

(Zoom Feb 27 and In Person Feb 28 - Both sessions required)

Deadline to register: February 13
Facilitator: Rev. Nan Nelson

📍 Zoom – Friday, Feb 27 | 6:00–8:30 pm
📍 In Person – Saturday, Feb 28 | 8:30 am–2:30 pm
Grand Avenue UMC, Stuttgart
Register here:

Lay Servant Ministries is a United Methodist leadership development program that is focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through....

01/05/2026

This is a great pathway for laity who want to deepen their understanding of what it means to serve and how to serve better. Fast Track classes are accessible and are open to more than just those seeking lay speaker certification. More class options coming soon so keep checking back!

Lay Servant Ministries is a United Methodist leadership development program that is focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through....

11/11/2025

Rev. Rob Holifield of CUMC Rogers spoke at the Nov. 9 Regional Charge Conference breakout session in Fort Smith about the impact of Lay Servant Ministry training. He shared how laity are gaining confidence to lead and serve in new ways, strengthening their congregations and their personal faith. We’re grateful for pastors like Rob who encourage and help equip laity to live out their calling. Hope to see many of you at the Charge Conference in Springdale THIS Sunday!

10/28/2025

Hey friends! The next Intro to Lay Servant Ministries class is coming up Saturday, November 8 in Clarksville and registration closes this Sunday, November 2! We are all called to serve, lead, and grow deeper in our faith and this is a great place to start.
🕊️ Sign up before the deadline:

Lay Servant Ministries is a United Methodist leadership development program that is focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through....

10/25/2025

10/20/2025

First Regional Charge Conference at FUMC Russellville!
It was inspiring to hear about the impact of Lay Servant Ministries from both a pastor’s perspective and from our district lay leader. Thanks to everyone who joined the breakout session to learn about how laity are strengthening the mission of the church.
Next stops:
📍 FUMC Fort Smith – November 9
📍 FUMC Springdale – November 16
See you there!

10/16/2025

What do we stand for?
The United Methodist Social Principles offer biblical guidelines for living faithfully in today’s world. They give us a shared foundation while leaving room for individual interpretation and faithful conversation.
*Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 (10 AM–Noon on Zoom) for an introduction with Rev. Neal Christie, author of Justice in Everyday Life.

10/14/2025

Regional Charge Conferences are coming up!
Join us for a breakout session on the impact of Lay Servant Ministries in local congregations, led by Rev. Rob Holifield, District Lay Leader Carole Baker, and NWD LSM Director Karen Anderson. We’ll talk about how lay servants strengthen the church through leadership and service—and how your congregation can grow through this ministry.
📍 Russellville FUMC – Oct 19
📍 Fort Smith FUMC – Nov 9
📍 Springdale FUMC – Nov 16
Clergy and laity are both encouraged to attend.

Send a message to learn more