Position Description

The ideal Conference Lay Leader candidate is a person who has experience in lay leadership positions within the local church and district. This person is aware of the responsibilities of the position and must be aware of the role of laity in mission and ministry within the congregation, district and annual conference, as well as the opportunities for witness and mission through their ministries in the home, workplace, community, and world.

The Conference Lay Leader provides direction both spiritually and procedurally to the PNW Conference’s Board of Laity, Connectional Table, and Committee on Lay Servant Ministries in cooperation with its Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
 
The Conference Lay Leader is a member of the annual conference sessions, and they should attend the annual conference sessions. The Conference Lay Leader is responsible for planning and leading the Laity Session alongside the Board of Laity and in coordination with the Annual Conference Sessions Planning Team. Membership on other conference related committees – including the Connectional Table, Nominations Committee, Episcopacy Committee, Annual Conference Sessions Planning Committee, and others – is expected.

Expected Results

An effective Conference Lay Leader works with the Conference Board of Laity to enable and support lay participation in the planning and decision-making processes of the annual conference, districts, and local congregations in cooperation with the bishop, directors of the office of connectional ministries, district superintendents, and pastors of local congregations.

• The Conference Lay Leader relates to the organized lay groups within the annual conference and supports their ministries;
• Works with the District Lay Leaders to develop the advocacy role for laity in the life of the church and encourage and equip laity in the general ministry of the church;
• Meets with the cabinet on matters of programming within the annual conference and meets regularly with the bishop to discuss the state of the annual conference and needs for ministry both locally and globally.

Qualifications

Spiritual gifts: encouragement (exhortation), leadership, wisdom, discernment, apostleship, administration, shepherding, teaching.

Experience and Skills

It is recommended that the Conference Lay Leader should have experience in leadership at the district level and/or conference level. Examples include: some experience in leadership, ability to communicate effectively, good listening skills, organizational skills, ability to share vision, set goals, and monitor progress and lead meetings.

Responsibilities

• Commit to support the laity in spiritual formation and development of their roles in ministry and discipleship, to help develop vital congregations and increase missional presence in the community.
• Train District Lay Leaders in their roles.
• Along with the Conference Board of Laity and the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries, interpret the needs of the annual conference for training opportunities.
• In conjunction with the district superintendents, recruit qualified District Lay Leaders who are gifted and equipped for leadership tasks.
• Support District Lay Leaders as they equip Local Church Lay Leaders and other laity.
• Nurture and support Lay Leaders and others in their various roles.
• Communicate regularly with District and Local Church Lay Leaders.
• Provide for forms of recognition for laity in leadership roles within the annual conference, including [Certified] Lay Servants, [Certified] Lay Speakers, and [Certified] Lay Ministers.
• Present a laity report to the annual conference.
• Participate in the Service of Ordination at the annual conference session.
• Become a member of the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders (AACLL)

– Adapted from Conference and District Lay Leaders Manual, pp. 23-25.

Note: Similar information can be found in Paragraph 607 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.