The laity are all people in the congregation who are not clergy.

According to the Book of Discipline (2024), Section 2, ¶ 127. 

The Ministry of the Laity—The ministry of the laity flows from a commitment to Christ's outreaching love. Lay members of The United Methodist Church are, by history and calling, active advocates of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every layperson is called to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20); every layperson is called to be missional. The witness of the laity, their Christ-like examples of everyday living as well as the sharing of their own faith experiences of the gospel, is the primary evangelistic ministry through which all people will come to know Christ and The United Methodist Church will fulfill its mission.

Laity can contribute in many ways, such as serving as Sunday school teachers, worship leaders, or leading small group Bible studies and ministries. They can also serve their local churches or communities through their professional skills, such as accounting, law, nursing, social work, and more.

If a lay person seeks to develop as a leader in the church, Certified Lay Ministries offers education for spiritual and leadership development. To learn more, click here. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Moore, Director of Lay Servant Ministries, at kmoore@wocumc.org.

To begin your journey in ministry, please read “Introduction to Spiritual Gifts” an article written by Rev. Ken Sloan for Discipleship Ministries.