The Lay Empowerment Team is excited to announce an opportunity for laity to encounter an enriching experience of self-discovery through enrollment in the Answering God’s Call (AGC). Launching in 2025, the program centers on a spiritual gifts inventory, followed by one-on-one discussions with trained facilitators to help participants discern the meaning of the results and how those gifts fit into God’s plan for service in the Kingdom here on earth. 

This program is recommended for former certified Lay Speakers and local church Lay Servants who are not on the Lay Ministry track to continue their enrichment in study and service and to become certified in local church leadership and/or pulpit supply, updating your prior credited courses in the North Georgia Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. 

The participant and facilitator enter into a time of prayer asking the Holy Spirit’s guidance as this personal decision is made with God’s help.  The participant and facilitator discuss options and opportunities for service as lay or clergy in the NGA Conference.  Based on the choice, the participant will be counseled through the “next steps” process to attain the training, education, and personal development required to fulfill a career path.

The team of AGC leaders is designing the curriculum and agenda for this new and awesome opportunity to raise up new leaders that glorify God through serving, witnessing, teaching, preaching, evangelizing, and working with the Congregation Effectiveness and Multiplication Committee to be the nucleus to plant new churches that make disciples that worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.

“Finding your unique place in God’s plan” (AGC):  This new program will launch this fall for laity discerning the plans that God has for you.  Through an assessment process and discussions with a trained facilitator, participants learn about their individual personality, spiritual gifts, and the opportunities available to serve and fulfill God’s calling (whether the path be lay or clergy). An important facet of the program will provide an opportunity for lay servants/speakers who chose not to seek Lay Minister certification to continue their prior coursework using the GMC curriculum.  Watch for the launch date and registration.