| By Michael Wacht LEESBURG — Liturgist, prison minister, witness, speaker, teacher and
leader are potential callings for lay speakers. All were explored at the second annual
training event for lay speakers this past summer at the Life Enrichment Center in
Leesburg.
“This [training] prepares me for the reality of church problems and makes me stronger
in the Lord,” John Hone, a lay speaker from the Sarasota District, said.
The event included one basic and three advanced courses facilitated by Florida Conference
laity and clergy. The basic lay speakers course equips lay people to share their witness
with others in their church. The advanced course helps lay people move into leadership
roles within the church and take their witness and leadership into other churches and the
community.
Of the 49 people attending the training, 25 were first-time participants. Currently, there
are about 3,000 certified and local-church lay speakers in the Florida Conference serving
their churches and communities through witnessing, teaching, preaching and leadership.
Next year’s lay speaker training event is Aug. 13-15. Basic lay speaker training will
be offered in English, Spanish, Creole and Korean. The advanced training will include
classes led by Florida conference staff, clergy and laity.
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