Lay Leaders

 

  
 

 

Local Church Lay Leader (From Links, Special Issue 2002)

The local church lay leader is elected by the charge conference to be the primary lay representative of the laity in the congregation. Where needed, associate lay leaders may be elected.

A former district superintendent friend referred to the lay leader as the 'president of the congregation'. By definition, the lay leader is chair of nothing, member of everything. He or she is the pastor's partner in ministry and a good communicator who knows the congregation and is known by the congregation. The lay leader understands the community and its needs, is a change agent, 'oil on troubled waters', and a problem solver.

The lay leader is a member of the charge conference and church council, the finance committee, the pastor-parish committee, the committee on lay leadership, and, quite possibly, other groups. The lay leader and lay member of annual conference share a number of committee memberships and should be working closely. It is recommended that consideration be given to the two offices being held by the same person.

The local church lay leader:

  • Fosters awareness of the role of laity in ministry in the congregation, home, workplace, community, and world; he or she must be an advocate for the laity and ministry of the laity; observe Laity Sunday;

  • Is an advocate for Jesus; it is important to be an effective, living witness inside and outside the congregation;

  • Meets regularly with the pastor to discuss the state-of-the-church and needs for ministry; some of these could be lunch or dinner meetings;

  • Is a friend and confidante to the pastor, and a pastor to the pastor as the need arises; a communicator from congregation to pastor and pastor to congregation;

  • Is continually involved in learning about the church and community and, at the same time, developing learning opportunities for the congregation, to the end that the church grows in fulfilling its mission;

  • Continues his or her development as a leader and finds opportunities for congregational learning; it is recommended that the lay leader be a certified lay speaker;

  • Is an advisor to the church council regarding opportunities for ministry by the laity in the church and community;

  • Knows and is known by the congregation; it is important to meet all new members and to serve as liturgist occasionally in order to be recognized by all the laity;

  • Is the ombudsman in the congregation - the 'go to' person; a problem solver and a healer;

  • Practices 'MBWA' (ministry-by-walking- around); learns what members are thinking and what their dreams and wishes are for the church and for their own lives; is a listener;

  • Is a visionary, a planner, a change agent; it is highly desirable for each congregation to sense where it is heading, and the lay leader should be a part of this visioning process;

  • Pays attention to what's going on; understands current reality and how it affects vision;

  • Is an advocate for inclusiveness - of minority persons, persons with handicapping conditions, youth, and older adults; and

  • Maintains a relationship with the district lay leader.

 

 

 
 
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