Local Church Lay LeadersLay Members to Annual Conference

Local Church Lay Leaders/Lay Members to Annual Conference: What’s My Job? January 10, 2018 Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Ministries Permission granted for use by leaders in ministry settings May not sell for profit or charge admission

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PRESENTER Jodi Cataldo Director–Laity in Leadership jcataldo@umcdiscipleship. org

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. - I Peter 2: 9 (NRSV) 7

The Great Commandment —to put love of God and neighbor above all else The Great Commitment —to embody God’s love individually The Great Requirement —to live God’s love through our actions The Great Commission —to go and take God’s love into the world The Great Redemption —to invite all to experience God’s love

…so that!

“God’s kingdom has come upon you. ”—Luke 10: 9 b CEB

“Take no wallet, no bag, and no sandals. ” “Bring a blessing of peace. ” “Remain in the same house, eat and drink what is set before you. ” “Heal the sick. ” “Say to them, ‘God’s kingdom has come to you!’”

“The Call to Ministry of All the Baptized—All members of Christ’s universal church are called to share in the ministry which is committed to the whole church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, each member of The United Methodist Church is to be a servant of Christ on mission in the local and worldwide community. ” (2016 UM Book of Discipline—Par. 220)

“It is not so much that the church has a mission, but that God’s mission has a church. ”—Jeremy Bassett

“The way we do our work is as important as what we do. ” —Jeremy Basset, A Mission Journey

“The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world. ”—par. 121, 2016 BOD

The Process We make disciples as we: – Proclaim the gospel – Lead persons to commit their lives to God – Nurture persons in Christian living – Send persons into the world – Continue seeking, welcoming and gathering (2016 BOD—Par. 122)

1. Leaders demonstrate vital personal faith. 2. Leaders rotate. 3. More attendees serve in positions of lay leadership.

We make disciples as we: – Proclaim the gospel (H: Hospitality) – Lead persons to commit their lives to God (O: Offer Christ) – Nurture persons in Christian living (P: Purpose) – Send persons into the world (E: Engagement) – Continue seeking, welcoming and gathering (2016 BOD—Par. 122)

The Wesleyan Means of Grace Works of Piety • Reading, meditating, studying the scriptures • Praying • Fasting • Attending worship • Living healthily • Sharing your faith with others

The Wesleyan Means of Grace Works of Mercy • Doing good works • Visiting the sick • Visiting those in prison • Feeding the hungry • Giving generously to the needs of others

Spiritual Gifts: • • A servant heart Faith Compassion Apostleship Skills: • • • To listen well To communicate with people of all ages To work well with both clergy and laity To keep a broad view of the separate parts of the congregation To connect the congregation with the community To help align the entire ministry toward the mission of the church

Lay Leader Responsibilities 1 Represent the lay people 2 Strengthen ministries that build discipleship 3 Assist in advising of opportunities available and needs expressed 4 Celebrate the ministry of the laity 5 Meet regularly with the pastor 6 Continue involvement in study and training 7 Inform laity of training opportunities 8 Become a certified lay servant

Lay Leaders are a Member of: • Charge Conference • Church Council • Pastor-Parish/Staff-Parish Relations Committee • Finance Committee • Nominations and Leadership Development Committee

How does one become a lay leader or a lay member? Lay Leader Lay Member • Be a professing member of the local church • Elected at charge conference (annually) • No term limits • Be a professing member of the local church for at least two years • Active participant for at least four years prior to election • Elected at charge conference (annually or quadrennially) • No term limits

Lay Member to Annual Conference • Elected annually or quadrennially • Member of United Methodist Church for two years • Active participant for at least four years preceding election (unless in a newly organized church) • Member of annual conference the year(s) elected • Serves on: ØChurch Council ØCommittee on Finance ØCommittee on Pastor-Parish Relations (or SPRC) • Link between annual conference and local church council

Equipping God’s People to Live Out Their Call “His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ. ” (Ephesians 4: 11 -12)