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Celebrating a Call to Lay Ministry

By Rev. Ted Smith, The Methodist Hospital - Houston

Barbara Knott, a lay minister at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, says she always felt the need to give care to others.

“Recently it has become clear this need is a call from God, crystallizing as a deep knowing in my heart and a desire to respond to God’s guidance,” Knott said. “Looking back, I am convinced it was God’s timing and Spirit that brought me to the Lay Ministry College at The Methodist Hospital to become better equipped in spiritual care ministry to hospital patients.”

In response to Barbara Knott’s call and many others, The Department of Spiritual Care and Education of The Methodist Hospital is sponsoring a conference for laity and clergy called “Celebrating a Call to Lay Ministry.”  It will be held on February 4-6, 2010 at St. Paul’s UMC Houston. 

Laity will be inspired to serve; thereby, expressing their baptismal vows.  Clergy will be motivated to embrace a laity-based model of ministry.  “Celebrating a Call” has been endorsed by the Texas Annual Conference.

Everyone will be moved by three nationally renowned authorities: Kathleen Norris, author of the New York Times bestsellers The Cloister Walk, Dakota, and Amazing Grace; Ben Witherington, Ph.D., professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and author of more than 30 books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest; and The Rev. Vance Ross, Deputy General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship, innovative leader and compelling advocate for lay ministry.

Attendees will also be uplifted by exceptional worship services led by Leah Taylor, Lay Leader of the Texas Conference, and the Rev. Dr. James Bankston, Senior Minister at St. Paul’s UMC.

The conference will consist of five plenary addresses, Q and A sessions, dinner conversations with the speakers, along with two worship services. 

It begins on Thursday evening (February 4), continues all day and evening on Friday, and concludes before noon on Saturday.  Registration is $145, which includes the cost of meals. 

Download the Brochure

For more information contact the Department of Spiritual Care at 713-441-7733 or www.methodistspiritualcare.com/laityconference. The MethodistHospital is pleased to offer this conference as a part of its going commitment to ministry and healing.

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