Ministry of the Laity
In the name of the wonderful God we serve, we are united as 169,000 lay people who serve a God of love and of possibility throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference. The ministry of the laity is the work of mission and ministry to which each believer is called. As Christians we are all called to this ministry or priesthood – not just clergy. Each of us has a responsibility to proclaim the Good News and reach out to others in love.
Lay Ministry Leadership Directory
Lay Servant Ministry Trainings
Certified Lay Servants
Certified Lay Servants serve the local church or charge (and/or beyond):
- Provide program leadership, assistance
and support. - Lead meetings for prayer, training, study
and discussion. - Conduct or assist in conducting services of worship, preaches the Word, or give addresses.
- Provides congregational and community leadership and fosters caring ministries.
- Assists in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion.
- Teaches the Scriptures, doctrine, organization
and ministries of The United Methodist Church.
Certified Lay Speakers
Certified Lay Speakers serve by preaching the Word when requested by the Pastor, District Superintendent or Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. Also, they:
- Provide program leadership, assistance
and support. - Lead meetings for prayer, training, study
and discussion. - Conduct or assist in conducting services of worship, preaches the Word, or give addresses.
- Provides congregational and community leadership and fosters caring ministries.
- Assists in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion.
- Teaches the Scriptures, doctrine, organization
and ministries of The United Methodist Church.
Certified Lay Ministers
Certified Lay Ministers are a part of a ministry team with supervision and support of a clergyperson:
- Conducts public worship.
- Cares for the congregation.
- Develops new faith communities.
- Preaches the Word.
- Leads small groups.
- Establishes outreach ministries.
- Serves as a class leader.
- Engages in specialized ministries after appropriate training such as parish nursing and church planting.
- Assists in program leadership.
The Board of Laity exists to enable you to be equipped, empowered and inspired to enthusiastically make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Its greatest contribution is through interaction with all facets of church life and work.
The Book of Discipline (¶631) describes the Board of Laity essential functions as follows:
- fostering an awareness of the role of the laity;
- developing the advocacy role for laity;
- increasing the participation of laity in the life of the church;
- encouraging laypersons in the general ministry of the church;
- developing and promoting programs to cultivate an adequate understanding of the theological and biblical basis for lay life and work;
- developing and promoting stewardship of time, talent and possessions;
- providing for the training of lay members to Annual Conference;
- providing support and direction for such lay programs as lay speaking, the observance of Laity Sunday, and the work of lay leaders on the local and district levels; and
- organizing a conference committee on lay speaking ministries.
Delores Martin, Conference Lay Leader
Lay Servant Ministries
Lay Servants are to serve the local church or charge in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. This includes the interpretation of scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church. While One doesn't have to be certified to serve, there are opportunities for those who feel called to become certified in one of the ways below. One of the strengths of our connectional system is the
Video: Laity Session 2017