Greenwood District Local Lay Leader Training District Superintendent

Greenwood District Local Lay Leader Training District Superintendent: Dr. Steven Love District Lay Leader: Tony Watson- 803 -480 -2938 Email: 53 twatson@gmail. com

§ § The Book of Discipline § 100 paragraphs deal with the doctrinal statements and Ministry of all Christians § 200 paragraphs deal with the local church organization and offices. Job Descriptions § In The United Methodist Church § Guidelines Lay Leader/Lay Member § Connect Your Congregation and Your Annual Conference

§ § § Luke 9: 23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ” BOD 126 “ All Christians are called through their baptism to this ministry …. . ” Everyone is a minister. BOD 127 “Every lay person is called to carry out the Great Commission (Mat. 28: 18 -20) …. . ” Bod 128 “…a; ; Christians are called to minister wherever Christ “ calls. BOD 135 “ The ministry of all Christians consists of privilege and obligation. ” Privilege – relationship with God. Obligation to respond to God’s call to holy living.

§ You have accepted the call to ministry! § As your church’s Lay Leader, you have been entrusted with a great responsibility. § Privilege to share in the preparation of the congregation for the mission of God in the world.

§ BOD 251 Lay leaders are professing members in good standing of The United Methodist Church for at least 2 years. § Also, LL shall have been an active participant in the UMC for at least 4 years preceding election. § Each charge conference shall elect a Lay Leader. §

§ We must use our gifts and resources to serve others. § We must love our neighbors and live out the Gospels in all our relationships-at home, at school, at work, at play, in our communities and in our world. § Jesus Christ calls all persons to do a variety of things and you are called to be in lay ministry as a Lay Leader.

§ Foster the roll of laity in the congregation. § Foster awareness of what is going on at the District and Conference level and General Conference. § Meet regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and needs for ministry. § Membership in many committees.

Continuing involvement in study and training opportunities 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. Assist in advising the church council of opportunities available and the needs expressed for a more effective ministry of the church through its laity in the community. informing the laity of training opportunities provided by the annual conference. Where possible, the lay leader shall attend training opportunities in order to strengthen his or her work. The lay leader is urged to become a certified lay servant. In instances where more than one church is on a charge, the charge conference shall elect additional lay leaders so that there will be one lay leader in each church.

§ Become a partner with your pastor or minister in ministry. § Pray, vision, share and work together by communicating frequently. § Building trust may take time. § Be an advocate for the minister taking time for R&R and study.

Clergy Vacation Guidelines It is recommended that all ordained and licensed ministers of the South Carolina Annual conference, serving local church appointments, be granted annual vacation according to the following schedule: Years of Service Less than 5 5 years to 10 years More than 10 years Number of Weeks A minimum of 2 (including 2 Sundays) A minimum of 3 (including 3 Sundays) A minimum of 4 (including 4 Sundays) Years of service shall be interpreted to mean the number of years of service under appointment in the ministry of the United Methodist Church, and not the number of years of service on a given charge. “Vacation” is interpreted to mean freedom from any responsibility in the local church or charge, district, conference, area, jurisdiction or general conference. Vacation should be a time of rest, recreation and renewal. It should not be interpreted to mean time a clergy person works at a church camp, a meeting of a general board, an agency of the conference, a district retreat. Time away from the charge for Annual Conference and continuing education events shall not be considered vacation time. The charge shall make available as necessary the funds for pulpit supply while the clergy person is on vacation.

§ Listen to the congregation and provide objective input to your pastor. You and your pastor are a team – share. Lay Leaders are not the pastor’s supervisor. Also see Mathew 18. § Be aware of your pastor’s schedule so the church functions smoothly. As LL you are responsible for services in the pastor’s absence. This means if the pastor is unable to perform his/her duties due to unforeseen circumstances you insure church functions go forward. This is a good reason to become a Lay Servant Leader.

§ Work with your pastor to plan Laity Sunday. Be willing to be available and assist. BOD 264 “Laity Sunday shall be observed annually ……” § Be a partner with the congregation. § Communicate with the congregation. § Listen to congregational concerns. § Be involved with your church’s stewardship program.

§ Promote giving by keeping the congregation informed of all ministries in which your congregation is involved and in our connectional system (throughout the district and conference). § Know what apportionments are and encourage support of our local, and global missions. (Africa University example). § Know how apportionments are used. Ex. UMCor.

§ You are a voting member of Annual Conference. § Attend District and Conference Events when laity are invited. Look for opportunities to serve beyond your local church. § http: //www. umcsc. net/greenwood/home/ § https: //www. umcsc. org/nominations/ § Again keep your congregation informed. Please send me your contact information. 53 twatson@gmail. com

§ Local Lay leader is elected by charge conference. § Certified Lay Servant (Lay Servant) BOD 266 § Certified Lay Speaker (Lay Speaker) BOD 267 § Certified Lay Minister BOD 268