The original term for what we now know as Lay Speakers is Exhorter. The office has existed in the church almost from the beginning of Methodism. In the British conference of 1746, two years after John Wesley's first Conference, the following direction was given: "Let none exhort in any of our Societies without a note of recommendation from the Assistant. Let every Exhorter see that this be renewed yearly. Let every Assistant rigorously insist upon this." Then, in 1770, we find this record: "That each Assistant may know the Exhorters in his circuit, let each give his successor a list of them."

We hazard to say that there are not many offices of the modern United Methodist Church that can trace their origins to sanctions issued directly by John Wesley, first in 1744. The term lay speaker first appeared in 1934 with the emergence of the Board of Lay Activities. The 1944 and 1948 Discipline includes both Exhorter and Lay Speaker in the same paragraph. The exhorter was charged with holding meetings for prayer and exhortation whenever the opportunity afforded, subject to the direction of the pastor. The duties of the lay speaker were to conduct services of worship, to hold meetings for prayer and exhortation, whenever opportunity is afforded, and to attend District and Quarterly Conferences. Each office was subject to an annual examination, and an annual renewal of certificate. These offices were established to prevent "silent pulpits."

In 1992, the role and function of the lay speaker was expanded to include lay speakers in virtually every facet of the life of the church, especially those that touched other people's lives. Also, in 1992, separate offices were established for lay speakers. Local church lay speakers, after completing the basic course, were only permitted to serve in their local church. Certified lay speakers were permitted to serve beyond the local church and were required to complete an advanced course every three years.

Today, over 2,500 local church and certified lay speakers are serving the United Methodist Church in South Carolina, and are active in ministry in the local church and community.  To learn more about lay speaking ministries, please contact your district or conference director of Lay Speaking Ministries.