Article
Our Certified Lay Ministers: Barbara Atkinson
June 2, 2025
author line
"This is not just some volunteer position. This is a covenant relationship." -Barbara Atkinson
Aldersgate UMC's two Certified Lay Ministers, John Hall and Barbara Atkinson, serve and bless our church in many ways. In this week's and last week's blog posts, we hear their stories of calling and service. Today, let's meet Barbara Atkinson.
When did you hear a call to become a Certified Lay Minister? What was that call like?
Around 2011, I had recently emerged from a season of significant life changes and healing from loss. I felt God saying to me, “Can’t you walk a little closer with me?” It was palpable in my heart, but I wasn’t sure what it would look like and what I was supposed to be doing. I made a commitment to become more aware of his presence in daily life and spend more time in prayer. Then, in 2012, I became a part of that same first-ever Certified Lay Minister class that John Hall was in. We had not previously discussed the program, and we didn't know we were both being drawn to this until we both showed up to class.
I entered the process still not sure this was where I was supposed to be. There was no map. God was just asking me to take the next faithful step, and that’s what I did.
Talk about your experience in the training & certification process. How was it?
The months of training in the the CLM program provided a way for me to understand and trust God’s plan for my life and my place in the United Methodist Church. It became an opportunity for me learn about the history of the UMC and to hone my personal skills of leading worship, praying in public and offering care to others within the church. It’s a great program.
I learned that the more involved we have our laity, the stronger the church is. We all have different gifts and we’re called to use them as God intends. I think it’s important for each person to spend time figuring that out and not try to be a clone of someone else. I learned to look for people who have some of the gifts that are needed in ministry that maybe they’re unaware of and opening up a conversation about where God might be leading them. In Lay Servant Ministry, the United Methodist Church is saying, we want to equip you. We know how valuable you are.
Part of the CLM program is that you’re charged with forming a Mutual Ministry Team. That team guides and holds me accountable to the covenant I have with the church. That’s the unique part of being a CLM: this is not just some volunteer position. This is a covenant relationship I hold with the church, and I take that very seriously.
Since becoming a Certified Lay Minister, what have you learned about God? What have you learned about the Church?
God is always doing something new to draw us ever closer to himself and will stop at nothing to make that happen. And the Church is an amazing, vibrant entity. It will always, always exist. I believe that in my very core. The Church in the future may look different than it does now, but it will continue to thrive and be a place where people experience love and compassion and acceptance. It will continue because of Emmanuel, God with us, and our response to that truth.
What is the most challenging part and the most rewarding part of being a Certified Lay Minister?
The challenging part of being a CLM is discerning God’s voice about whether I’m going to be his faithful servant. Sometimes, to be true to my calling, I have to say no to a request. Sometimes I’m led to be a voice to others who feel like they are on the margins or left out by the church. But both of those callings can be unpopular! Staying true to my desire to walk closer to my Savior each and every day is the challenging part for me. And sometimes it involves tough decisions to make that happen.
The rewarding part? The opportunity to live out my call to ministry in the framework of a supportive and caring church. I feel honored when I can provide safe and sacred space for people to explore their relationship with God. This happens sometimes during spiritual direction, sometimes when I’m teaching Sunday School, and sometimes during times of visitation and caring for others. The real reward for me is providing opportunities for others to peel back the layers of their relationship with God.
You mentioned that you are a spiritual director. Can you say more about that?
Within a couple weeks after completing the CLM certification, I felt God once again bidding me to walk closer to him. I thought, “Really? Did I not just come through this?” But it was a very profound feeling. After a lot of prayer, I entered a two-year program to become a spiritual director. I learned the value of spiritual disciplines in my life and learned how to live each day knowing I am God’s beloved. I have been a spiritual director for a little over ten years now, and this is truly the sweet spot in my life. I feel so honored and privileged to accompany others on their faith journey.
Read this previous blog post
to learn more about lay ministry in the United Methodist Church.