“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us...”
—Romans 12:6
By: Rev. Stephanie York Arnold
As I step into my new role as General Secretary, my Sundays have changed. No longer leading worship as a local pastor, I now sit among congregations as a guest. It has been a gift to experience worship through fresh eyes—seeing what truly makes a church feel alive, welcoming, and Spirit-filled.
While excellent music and preaching are important, they aren’t what make me feel like I belong. What matters most is the presence of laypeople—those who show up, serve joyfully, and create an atmosphere of love and inclusion.
The Power of Lay People
October 19 is Laity Sunday in The United Methodist Church—a day to honor the essential role lay members play in the life of the church. Their service and leadership are often what make congregations thrive.
You can tell almost instantly if a church is prepared to welcome both members and guests. The presence of diverse, engaged, and joyful lay leadership creates a sense of belonging. Conversely, if leadership is limited to a single gender, age group, or background, it's hard for newcomers to feel included.
Churches that embrace the biblical truth that we are one body with many members, each with unique gifts, create a space where people want to connect and grow in faith.
We're now in Charge Conference season, when every local church nominates lay leaders for the year ahead. This work is more than administrative—it is spiritual and foundational. The health, vitality, and future of your congregation depend on choosing leaders who reflect the heart and diversity of the body of Christ.
Best Practices for Nominating Effective Lay Leaders
GCSRW Nominations Worksheet
1. Start with Faithfulness
Look for leaders who embody the United Methodist vows of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness:
- Do they pray for the church and others?
- Are they regularly present in church life?
- Do they make an annual pledge and give faithfully?
- Are they engaging in service for others?
- Do they witness to how the church impacts their life?
If so, they are likely ready for greater leadership. If not, this is an opportunity to develop them further as disciples as they engage more deeply and grow into future roles.
2. Avoid Familiar Patterns
Be mindful of repeating past habits:
- Are only long-time members nominated?
- Do only older or male members serve?
- Are high donors favored over active participants who may give less?
Familiarity doesn't always equal readiness. Consider new voices and perspectives.
3. Build Representative Teams
Create leadership teams that reflect the full diversity of your congregation:
- Gender
- Age
- Race
- Disability
- Length of membership
- Sexual orientation
Representation ensures better decision-making and a stronger sense of community. People with different perspectives may offer different questions and insights that deepen and enrich the church’s vision and inspire new opportunities.
4. Model Equity in Leadership Roles
Break stereotypes:
- Women can lead Finance or Trustees.
- Men can serve in Children’s Ministry or Altar Design teams.
- Young persons and new members have insights as leaders.
- Persons with disabilities help us recognize ways we can be more creative, accessible, and inclusive.
Giving all people equal opportunities shows that everyone belongs and has a role to play in the body of Christ. For example, in a local church where I once served, the best children’s Bible Study curriculum writer for our summer children’s camp was a middle-aged man who worked for a local communications company. Adding leadership from a person who lived with low vision helped our church start printing large font bulletins, which as we came to find out, MANY members in our congregations appreciated being offered. Inclusive practices make things better for everyone.
5. Be Intentional About Team Chairs
Even among your leaders, choose chairs who represent a variety of perspectives. A diverse leadership circle ensures your church sees and hears the full scope of its community. Even consider how different personality types can help balance the ways decisions are made.
A Church Where All Belong
The body of Christ is made up of many members, each with unique and God-given gifts. When those gifts are honored, and leadership is shared intentionally, the church flourishes.
This Laity Sunday, let us recommit to building churches where everyone is welcomed, valued, and empowered to serve. Because when laypeople lead joyfully and faithfully, the church truly comes alive.
“If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach...
If it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
—Romans 12:7–8