Lay Ministry & Lay Education
Lay Ministry
Lay ministers are gifted men and women from many different faith communities in the metropolitan area. Our team trains these ministers to work in concert with professional chaplains in providing care to patients and families. They also support the patient's unique spiritual or religious outlook, assist them as they cope with their hospitalization experiences and make appropriate referrals.
Benefits of Lay Ministry
- Personal growth as you exercise your spiritual gifts
- Support and pastoral care from chaplains
- Training and continuing education
- Annual appreciation and recognition events
- 15% discount at Houston Methodist cafeterias, Market Place, Blue Water Café and The Bistro
- Free flu shots
- Free tuberculosis (TB) screening
- Paid parking
Eligibility Requirements
- Completed application
- Interview
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Background Check
- Health Screening (TB Test & Flu Shot)
Lay Ministry Training
Lay ministry candidates will go through a five-session initial training during the month of March or the month of October. It begins on a Friday night with a gathering and sharing of call stories, followed by a worship service with a Blessing of the Hands. Saturday morning kicks off the first of four teaching modules led by chaplains in the Department of Spiritual Care and Education. The remaining three modules take place on Thursday evenings throughout the month. Candidates will also shadow staff chaplains as part of their training until they are comfortable making visits on their own.
In addition to providing initial training and acclimation to Houston Methodist, the Department of Spiritual Care and Education is committed to continuing education for our lay ministers. We offer a minimum of four seminars a year with a focus on pastoral skills, grief, diversity and self-care.
**For more information on specific training dates or an application, please contact Stacy Auld by email at slauld@houstonmethodist.org or by phone at 713.441.1985.
Catholic Chaplain Corps
Any Roman Catholic lay person interested in assisting with pastoral care of sick and dying Roman Catholic patients may call 713.747.8445 for additional information.