Lay Leader

An effective lay leader functions as the primary representative and role model of Christian discipleship and faith lived out in the church and in daily life. The lay leader works with the pastor to fulfill the mission and vision of the congregation.


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Responsibilities of the Position
  • The lay leader represents the laypeople in the congregation in working with the pastor for the mission and vision of the congregation.
  • The lay leader engages in spiritual practices that build a relationship of attentiveness to God’s will and direction.
  • The lay leader represents the laypeople in the congregation and serves as a role model of Christian discipleship for the congregation.
  • The lay leader works with the pastor and other leaders to launch or strengthen ministries that build discipleship.
  • The lay leader assists in advising the church council about opportunities available and the needs expressed for a more effective lay ministry of the church in the community.
  • The lay leader plans with other leaders in the congregation for celebrating the ministry of laypeople throughout the year and especially on Laity Sunday.
  • The lay leader meets regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and the opportunities for ministry to advance the mission and ministry of the congregation in the community.
  • The lay leader continues to study and train and to develop a growing understanding of the church’s reason for existence and the types of ministry that will most effectively fulfill the church’s mission and that will help strengthen the lay leader’s own work.
  • The lay leader informs the laity of training opportunities provided by the annual conference.
  • Lay leaders are encouraged to become certified lay servants.
  • The lay leader is a member of the charge conference, the church council, the pastor-parish or staff-parish relations committee, the finance committee, and the nominations and leadership development committee.
  • Lay leaders are voting members of all the aforementioned committees. Each of these committees has specific responsibilities, but the lay leader represents the laity in each situation, as well as serving as an interpreter of the actions and programs of the annual conference and the general church. To be better equipped to comply with this responsibility, it is recommended that a lay leader also serve as a lay member of annual conference.