Purpose: The Sacramental Servant program prepares lay leaders to preside at Baptism and Holy Communion in partnership with their congregation and association. Participants explore the theological meaning of the sacraments, develop practical leadership skills, and see how sacramental life connects to the mission of the church.
Upon completion, participants receive a Learning Acknowledgement recognizing successful completion of a LAMP course of study and affirming participation in theological and ministry formation within the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Click here for the Sacramental Servant Course Catalog Information
Required coursework includes a study of the following topics.
Understanding the Role of the Sacramental Servant
History and Polity of the United Church of Christ
Theological Praxis and Beliefs
Boundary Awareness
Sacraments in the United Church of Christ
Baptism
Communion
Supervised Ministry Mentor Experience
Cost: $25.00 - Plus Books
Role and Boundary Information:
Role: Authorized, in a three-way covenant among the individual, the local church, and the Association, to preside at Baptism and Holy Communion, within one's local church.
Not included: Routine preaching or week to week worship leadership. Treating this role as regular pulpit leadership exceeds the authorization and violates the covenant among the Sacramental Servant, the Congregation, and the Association.
Important: A Learning Acknowledgement recognizes successful completion of a LAMP course of study and affirms participation in theological and ministry formation within the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ. A Learning Acknowledgement does not authorize ministry on its own. Associations determine eligibility for authorization. Always confirm with your Association before enrollment.
If you sense a broader call: If a Sacramental Servant feels called to regular preaching or wider worship leadership, they should begin a formal conversation with the Association about entering discernment for Licensed Ministry (CTEL) program. The Association will outline formation, supervision, and accountability.
Special Note about Holding Authorizations
An individual may hold only one Lay Ministerial Standing authorization at a time unless they are officially enrolled in the CTEL program and are making adequate progress, as defined and approved by their local Association. Progress must be documented and reviewed annually as part of the Association renewal process.
Successful completion of the Sacramental Servant Program includes the completion of all required coursework, readings, assignments, and portfolio materials. In addition, all portfolio work must be reviewed and approved by your Association-approved mentor, who will verify that the required competencies and formation expectations have been met.
Once all coursework and portfolio requirements are completed, participants will compile an electronic copy of their completed portfolio and submit it to the Leadership and Ministry Preparation Program (LAMP) for final review.
Following confirmation that all requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled, LAMP will issue a Learning Acknowledgment . This acknowledgment serves as documentation of successful completion of the educational and formational components of the program and may be presented to your local Association’s Committee on Ministry or authorizing body as evidence of completion.
Please note that completion of the Sacramental Servant Program does not itself authorize an individual for ministry. Authorization remains the responsibility of the local Association and its Committee on Ministry within the covenantal life of the United Church of Christ.