Purpose: This program forms lay leaders for worship leadership and preaching within the United Church of Christ. It serves to more fully prepare those who feel called to help shape and lead meaningful worship on a regular basis with theological integrity, biblical insight, and spiritual care.
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 to view the Servant of the Word Course Catalog and Descriptions
Required coursework includes:
Role and Boundary Information:
Role: Recognized, in a three-way covenant among the individual, the local church, and the Association, to preach biblically grounded sermons and assist in worship planning and leadership in cooperation with the pastor or worship team.
Not included: Presiding at the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Sacramental leadership requires specific preparation and authorization. Assuming sacramental functions without authorization violates the covenant with the Congregation and the Association. Completion of this track does not by itself meet Congregational or Association requirements to officiate weddings, funerals, or other rites of the church, nor does it authorize pastoral care, or church administration functions. Requirements for those ministries are established by your Association and must be confirmed locally.
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 Servant of the Word feels called to preside at the sacraments, begin a formal conversation with the Association about entering discernment for Licensed Ministry. The Association will outline the right pathway and oversight.
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.
We believe ministry formation should be accessible, practical, and affordable. The Servant of the Word Track has been intentionally designed to provide meaningful preparation for worship leadership and preaching while keeping costs as low as possible.
LAMP Enrollment Fee: A one-time enrollment fee of $25 helps cover program administration, student tracking, and record keeping.
Books & Materials: Participants should anticipate approximately $60 in required books and materials for the program, depending on course needs and selected resources.
Faith+Lead Course Access: The Servant of the Word Track incorporates five Faith+Lead-supported courses as part of the learning experience. Participants may choose the access option that best fits their situation.
Participants may register for each Faith+Lead course separately as needed.
5 Faith+Lead-supported courses in the Servant of the Word Track
Estimated total: $275
This option may work well for those who prefer to take courses one at a time or are uncertain about future participation in additional ministry formation.
A flexible month-to-month subscription providing access to Faith+Lead resources while actively engaged in coursework. This option can be helpful for participants moving steadily through the program over a shorter period of time.
A one-time payment providing lifetime access to all Faith+Lead courses and resources. This option is strongly recommended for those who anticipate continuing in ministry formation, taking additional LAMP coursework, or participating in future continuing education.
In addition to supporting the Servant of the Word Track, this membership includes access to more than 60 ministry, leadership, and theological courses, along with a lifetime license to use many course materials for Bible studies, congregational education, small groups, and parish formation settings.
For those actively serving in congregational leadership, preaching, teaching, or lay ministry, Faith+Lead becomes not only a learning platform but an ongoing ministry resource for years to come.
Because the Servant of the Word Track alone includes five Faith+Lead-supported courses (approximately $275 if purchased individually), many participants find the lifetime membership to be the most economical and beneficial option for long-term ministry formation. ( Note: Faith Lead Courses are used at the Licensure Level as well.)
Expense
Estimated Cost
LAMP Enrollment Fee:~$25
Required Books & Materials:~$60
Faith+Lead Courses (Purchased Individually):~$275
Estimated Total (without subscription or lifetime membership) ~$360
LAMP has been intentionally designed to remain a cost-effective and accessible pathway for ministry formation. Whenever possible, participants are encouraged to explore shared support through their congregation, association, and personal contribution as an investment in authorized covenantal ministry and leadership development within the Church.