On Sunday, June 28, 2026 six lay members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference became Certified Lay Ministers (CLM) in a ceremony at Christ United Methodist Church, Broomall. The Rev. Dr. Jesse Coale, pastor of Christ UMC, Broomall, warmly welcomed everyone.
Rev. Steve Pittman, District Superintendent for the South District gave the opening prayer, and then Judy Ehninger, Coordinator for the CLM program, introduced the program.
Judy Ehninger said, “As coordinator of the CLM program, I believe strongly that this training provides the laity a way to expand their ministry in the Wesleyan tradition, and to better support clergy in ministry.” She added, “Being a Certified Lay Minister will enable these graduates to facilitate the clergy-laity partnership. The one-hundred-hour program offers an opportunity for laity to be more effective in ministry in the local church and community.”
Several leaders offered words of congratulations to the graduates. Bishop Moore-Koikoi sent a letter of congratulations, and the Rev. Dr. Andrew Foster III, Dean of the Cabinet sent video greetings. Bishop Moore-Koikoi shared:
Today marks an important milestone as we celebrate your continued “yes” to God’s call. Thank you for your commitment, perseverance, and faithful service…The Church is stronger because you have answered God’s call and your ministry is a blessing to our congregations.”
The CLM class of 2026 came from churches across the conference. Two came from the East District, Susan D. Dziuk, Church of the Good Shepherd UMC, and Margaret Krut, Cornwells UMC. Al Kerrick, of Blakeley UMC represented the North District: Deborah Skapik from Christ UMC in the South District, and Aaron Morey and Stewart Williammee, both from Bridge UMC hailed from the West District.
District Superintendents, Rev. Steve Pittman, from the South District, and Rev. Jenny Freymoyer, from the West District, presented the certificates along with the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries.
In addition to the 2026 graduates, the ceremony also recognized E. Tom Tomlinson. Tomlinson, initially certified in 2010, was welcomed back to EPA and the CLM cohort after a five-year hiatus living outside the conference.
Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries, offered the message encouraging all to Love Boldly! The Rev. Lorelei Toombs, Director of Lay Leadership Development, offered a blessing for the graduates.
Graduates then offered their words of appreciation and thanks, as they shared what the program had meant to them and how they planned to offer servant leadership in their next chapter.
The joyful day wouldn’t have been possible without the prayerful and tangible support of others. The Rev. Dr. Anita Powell, Rev. Dr. Lloyd Speer, Rev. Dr. Michael Roberts, and Rev. Mark Salvacion each served as course instructors.
This powerful program transforms the lives of those who embark on the journey and the congregations where they serve. To date, the CLM program in Eastern PA has graduated 16 classes, training over one hundred and twenty Certified Lay Ministers. Of those 120 graduates, sixteen currently serve a church as a lay pastor. The next class of four students will complete the course work December 2026, with certification in the spring of 2027.
Are you interested in growing your leadership capacity? Orientation sessions for admission 2027 will begin October 2026. Christ Servant Ministers with a minimum of two years’ service are invited attend.
If you would like additional information regarding the Certified Lay Minister (CLM) program, contact Judy Ehninger, at 610-442-3140, judy.ehninger@gmail.com, or visit christservantministries.net.