A call to ministry often begins with questions, a nudge toward deeper service, leadership, or witness in the church. Discerning a call is not about having all the answers. It is about listening for how God may be shaping your life for the sake of the gospel.

You may sense God inviting you to serve in new ways, even if the path ahead is not yet clear. Exploring these paths may help you understand how your calling, gifts, and passions align with the needs of the Rio Texas Conference, the United Methodist Church, and the world.

Do you have questions or need help finding a specific resource?

Would you like to share helpful resources or stories about your journey?

Please feel free to reach out. Discernment happens in community.

Lay Servants

Lay servants are active members of a local church that are called by God to be leaders and teachers within their congregation. They support pastors and the church as a whole by guiding prayer and Bible study groups, helping lead worship services, providing congregational care, and advocating for positive transformation within the communities they serve.

Lay servants receive specialized training to develop skills and utilize their spiritual gifts.
There are several paths those called to lay servitude may pursue:

Certified Lay Servant

A certified lay servant is called to serve as a leader within their church by supporting church programming, teaching the faith, and providing congregational care.

Certified Lay Speaker

A certified lay speaker is called to serve through leadership in worship, allowing them to preach the Word when requested by a pastor or district superintendent.

Certified Lay Minister

A certified lay minister is called and equipped to lead public worship, provide congregational care, and assist in program leadership alongside clergy in churches or as the leader of smaller congregations.

Deaconess or Home Missioner

Deaconesses and home missioners are called, consecrated, and commissioned to a lifetime vocation of Christlike service directed towards the world, specifically to alleviate suffering and eradicate the causes of injustice.

Licensed Local Pastor (LLP)

Licensed local pastors are clergy that are appointed to specific pastoral charges, circuits, or cooperative parishes. They are called to model the servanthood of Jesus Christ as they nurture faithful disciples within their congregations and are authorized to perform all the duties of a pastor, including preaching the Word and independently administrating the sacraments of baptism and communion.

Licensed local pastor candidates must complete licensing school and the Course of Study.

Important Update Regarding Revised Course of Study for Licensed Local Pastors

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) has an important update to the Course of Study (COS) that strengthens theological formation for local pastors across The United Methodist Church. Following a church-wide review, COS is moving to a streamlined 16-course curriculum designed to create a more integrated, accessible, and relevant learning experience.

Key Highlights

• More integrated curriculum connecting theology and practice.

• Clearer path to completion for students.

• Increased flexibility across COS programs.

Timeline

• Fall 2026: Transition begins.

• Spring 2027: Revised Licensing School guidelines and recommendations take effect.

• Summer 2027: New students enter revised COS curriculum.

• June 2028: Full implementation.

Ordained Ministry