The Lay Leader and Lay Member to Annual Conference are key roles in linking the vision and plan of the congregation with the ministry of the Annual conference and in nurturing cooperation and coordination of the pastor and congregation in leadership. These two roles are complementary, yet there are responsibilities unique to each role. The greatest distinction is the connections they forge with and on behalf of the congregation. The lay leader has a primary focus in linking the local church and community. The lay member of annual conference has a primary focus in linking the local church to the connectional United Methodist Church and God's worldwide church.
This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 that cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more.
Prepare leaders for their ministry roles.
Focuses on the work of the Lay Leader/Lay Member committee. L
Cooks at the biblical and theological found the ministry area.
Provides a description of each area along with How-to information.
Bibliography/resource list and contact information for boards and agencies
Examples of forms and records used for each ministry area in each booklet.
Helps foster inclusiveness within the church and beyond.
Help new leaders understand their job, get organized, get started, and confidently lead.
Provide new and emerging leaders with the practical help they need to succeed in their ministry.
Help maintain consistent leadership from year to year.
Connect all the laity leaders with the spiritual dimensions of their ministry, while living their faith.