Truett Seminary's Online Certificate of Lay Ministry Receives Global Methodist Church Approval

George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University has been granted a full six-year term of approval from the Global Methodist Church (GMC) for its Certificate of Lay Ministry. Offered as a collaboration between Truett’s Online Certificate Program and Wesley House of Studies, this non-credit certificate is approved for Certified Lay Minister requirements across all Global Methodist Church conferences. 

Designed for lay and bi-vocational ministry leaders, the certificate offers accessible theological education that can be completed alongside work, family, and congregational responsibilities. Courses are fully online and asynchronous, with students spending an average of two to three hours per week over eight to 12 weeks. Courses include guided reading, modest writing assignments, and timely hand-graded feedback focused on sustained formation and effective learning.  

The certificate also provides a pathway for continued study though Truett’s Online Certificate Program. While the Certificate of Lay Ministry stands on its own as a non-credit program, its courses can count towards Truett certificates, allowing students to continue toward a Certificate of Christian Foundation, Certificate of Ministry, or Advanced Certificate of Ministry without repeating coursework. 

“The Certification of Lay Ministry is extremely important for the local church,” said Rusty Freeman, DMin, The Scott L. Engle Director of the Wesley House of Studies. “For years, Methodists have valued training all members as ministers. The honor of equipping both lay and clergy for ministry is one that Truett’s Wesley House of Studies does not take lightly. We are so blessed to be a part of Jesus’ heart and mission to reach the world and make disciples.”  

The Certificate of Lay Ministry fulfills the educational component of the Global Methodist Church's Certified Lay Minister pathway. Certification itself is conferred by a student's annual conference. 

“For more than a decade, Truett’s Online Certificate Program has made theological study accessible to working adults. This certificate intentionally carries that mission into Wesleyan contexts, offering Global Methodist lay ministers the opportunity for serious study — ‘Between Sunday School and Seminary,’” said J. David Tate, DMin, director of the Online Certificate Program at Truett Seminary. 

Enrollment is open, and students may begin at any time. To request more information or register, visit the Certificate of Lay Ministry page.