UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF LAY MINISTRY, THE LAY LEADER, AND THE LAY MINISTRY COUNCIL

“BEING ESSENTIAL WITHIN AN ESSENTIIAL CHURCH”DR. CLIFFORD L. HARRIS, GENERAL SECRETARY

DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRYCHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

 

MAY 24, 2013

OHIO CENTRAL INDIANA REGION2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

CLEVELAND - PITTSBURGH DISTRICT CONFERNCE

REV. BRUCE B. GIBSON, PRESIDING ELDERBISHOPSYLVESTER WILLIAMS, SR., PRESIDING

PRELATE

“ A n E s s e n t i a l C h u r c h D e v e l o p i n g A N e w G e n e r a t i o n O f L e a d e r s

T h r o u g h Wo r d , Wo r s h i p A n d W i t n e s s ”

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LAY MINISTRY

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CHRISTIAN LAITY

Those individuals who are not considered a part of the ordained preaching or pastoring ministry.

 

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MINISTRY

To serve; Christian ministry means serving the needs of one’s neighbor with humility and

devotion to God. It is, therefore, the duty of every Christian to serve with love and joy. Ministry is not a vocation, but a lifestyle, which can be exercised regardless of one’s calling.

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LAY MINISTRY

Dedicated lay people assisting in the mission and ministry of the church; it is a ministry of all Christians.

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THE LAY LEADER The Lay Leader has the

responsibility of coordinating and motivating the laity of the church toward effective churchmanship and committed service.

The lay leader must seek to improve personal relations and challenge the best there is within all individuals to bring mankind closer to God. . .

He or she should be rooted and grounded in the principles and virtues included under Lay Ministry.

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THE LAY MINISTRY COUNCIL

The Local Lay Ministry Council is responsible for the program of lay ministry in the local church.

In the CME Church, actions should be carried out as outlined by the Department of Lay Ministry and the CME Book of Discipline.

All efforts should be in keeping with the spirit of the Lay Ministry Beliefs, the Lay Ministry Mission, and the Lay Ministry Objectives.

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THE LAY MINISTRY BELIEFS 

STUDYING

SEEKING SHARING

SERVING 

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STUDYWITH PURPOSE

AND DETERMINATION 

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SEEK

BE SENSITIVE TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW CHRIST

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SHAREWITH A SENSE OF THANKFULNESS

 

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SERVEWITH A GLAD HEART

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THE LAY MINISTRY MISSION “To Reach, Teach, and Minister To All of God’s People, - Equipping Them For Greater Works and Service For Him.” 

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THE LAY MINISTRY OBJECTIVES

THE LAY MINISTRY OBJECTIVES WERE DESIGNED AND FORMULATED TO PROVOKE LAY MEN AND WOMEN TO ORDERLY AND ORGANIZED SERVICE FOR GOD AND HIS CHURCH.

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THE LAY MINISTRY OBJECTIVES . . . Lay Ministry Councils must help the objectives come alive and live out their intend through the collective actions of active and committed laity.

1. To study the Holy Bible with purpose and       determination

2.  To promote and engage in  ministries yet       unfulfilled in the  local Church.

3. To promote and exemplify Christian        Stewardship

4. To study and appreciate the Discipline of the        C.M.E. Church

5. To assist in establishing and maintaining a        sound financial system

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Lay Ministry Objectives continued . . .

6.  To inspire and encourage members to become       more informed about the Church

7. To assist in communicating the need for and       support of a strong tithing program 8. To assist in making Christian commitment        more meaningful  to one’s whole life

9. To assist individuals in developing personal         evangelism 10. To promote lay speaking training for church         officers and other interested persons 

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Lay Ministry Objectives continued . . .

11.  To study, understand, and appreciate         parliamentary procedure

12.  To study and appreciate the history of the         C.M.E. Church

13. To seek and maintain a good working        relationship between pastors and laity

14. To promote, encourage, and model financial        support of the Church’s programs

15. To embrace a collaborative spirit in       developing a vigorous teaching ministry