This is Part 1 of a series of articles on lay offices and leadership positions within local United Methodist congregations.
Every United Methodist congregation is required to have a lay leader. The lay leader is elected by the charge conference and serves as the primary representative of the congregation’s lay members.
What are the responsibilities of a lay leader?
The United Methodist Book of Discipline lists the responsibilities of a lay leader as follows:
- Fostering awareness of the role of laity, both within the congregation and through their ministries in the home, workplace, community and world, and finding ways within the community of faith to recognize all of these ministries (¶ 251a)
- Meeting regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and its ministry needs (¶ 251b)
- Serving automatically as a member of the charge conference, church council, finance committee, committee on lay leadership, and the committee on pastor-parish relations or staff-parish relations (¶ 251c)
- The Discipline recommends, but does not require, that the lay leader serve as a lay member to the annual conference (¶ 251c)
- Exploring studies and training opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the church’s purpose and the types of ministries that most effectively fulfill its mission (¶ 251d)
- Advising the church council of opportunities and expressed needs for strengthening the ministry of the church through its laity in the community (¶ 251e)
- Informing the laity of training opportunities provided by the annual conference. When possible, the lay leader should attend these training courses to strengthen their ministry (¶ 251f).
How is a lay leader elected and how long do they serve in their position?
Lay leaders are nominated by the committee on nominations and leadership development and confirmed by the charge conference. A lay leader must be an adult member of the church at the time of election. In charges with multiple churches, one lay leader is elected to represent each congregation.
The congregation determines the length of the lay leader’s term. A lay leader may serve multiple terms if reelected by the charge conference. Some churches also elect associate lay leaders to assist in this work.
What are the qualities of a good lay leader?
A lay leader should be an active church member who is familiar with all of the congregation’s ministries and is well known and respected by the broader membership. They should be willing and able to meet regularly with the pastor and church staff, while remaining accessible to congregants.
Lay leaders must be deeply committed to the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and actively engaged in the surrounding community. Effective lay leaders are continually looking for new outreach opportunities. They practice Christian hospitality by greeting visitors, welcoming new members and being present in the life of the church beyond Sunday morning worship. Lay leaders should also be visible and involved in community gatherings and church activities such as potluck meals, neighborhood events and Vacation Bible School.
Strong lay leaders stay connected with district and annual conference leadership by building relationships with their district lay leader and district superintendent. They seek out training and leadership development opportunities offered by their district or conference.
Above all, a good lay leader is a faithful disciple. They maintain an active prayer life, demonstrate love for God and neighbor, rely on a supportive community of believers and remain deeply committed to Christian evangelism.
What should someone do to prepare for serving as lay leader?
There are several steps a prospective lay leader can take before beginning their term.
- The first thing to do is pray. Remember that this is God’s church. Listen for where the Holy Spirit is leading your congregation. Pray regularly for your pastor and fellow church members.
- Meet with the previous lay leader and invite them to offer guidance as you prepare to take on the role. When your own term ends, be sure to extend the same support to your successor.
- Read Guidelines Lay Leader/Lay Member from Cokesbury.
- Meet with the senior pastor and committee chairpersons to learn about their plans, priorities and concerns for the church.
- Reach out to church members and ask where they believe God is calling the congregation to serve. Let them know you are available to listen, answer questions and share concerns anytime.
- Contact your district lay leader to learn about upcoming meetings, training opportunities and other resources. Many annual conferences offer free online handbooks and other tools for lay leaders.
Conclusion
The office of lay leader is a hallmark of Wesleyan ecclesiology. Lay leadership was essential to the success of the original Methodist movement under John Wesley and remains vital to the ministry of thousands of United Methodist congregations around the world today. Strong lay leadership makes for strong local church ministries.
This content was produced by ResourceUMC on February 2, 2026. Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email.