Lay ministry leaders at Columbia Grace Church of the Nazarene in Tennessee have found a sense of pride and ownership in their local ministry and personal life thanks to The Discipleship Place and the Certificate of Lay Ministry course.

When Columbia Grace began offering classes to begin the Lay Ministry Certificate program, nearly 30 members stepped up to attend the Wednesday night classes.

"People are learning and leaning in," said Tonya Marks, discipleship pastor at Columbia Grace.

Marks explained the more intensive route to receiving the lay leaders' certificate, and almost half — 13 to be exact — said they were "all in."

Jodie Meade was one of those 13. She told Marks she wanted to take it seriously and get deeply involved in the certificate program. She hadn't gone to college, and she couldn't pass up the opportunity to commit to learning something meaningful while earning a certificate for it.

"It has been a resource to increase my knowledge while navigating God's plan in ministry for me," Meade said.

Meade has been in the church for most of her life and helps with Columbia Grace's children's ministry.

"While I don't feel called to the full-time pastorate, I do feel called to serve to the fullest of my ability," Meade said. "I've been able to solidify my knowledge and belief in Nazarene doctrine, and I look forward to seeing where God leads through this opportunity."

Marks has seen many who serve in various ministries get excited to take the courses, seeking to gain a deeper knowledge to lead and take ownership of their role in the ministry of the church.

"Some folks have come in and said, 'I'm a behind-the-scenes person, and this is more about how I can help and serve,'" Marks said. "They are just chomping at the bit to serve, so we're looking for opportunities to get them involved in ministry."

While some, like Meade, don't feel called to the pastorate, others may feel that call.

"Along the way, I want to see — and I feel like it's happening — them feeling confident in talking about their faith and theology," Marks said. "I see the confidence that comes from it as they can speak well about our doctrine, understand those things, and even apply them."

Ultimately, Marks hopes for an equipped and educated laity. Many in her congregation will have conversations with people that the pastors may never get the opportunity to have.

"If we can educate our people and they can go and share God's goodness, love, and grace with folks, we're multiplying and doing what God has called us to do," Marks said.