1. MAY 24, 2013 OHIO CENTRAL INDIANA REGION 2 ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CLEVELAND - PITTSBURGH DISTRICT CONFERNCE REV. BRUCE B. GIBSON, PRESIDING ELDER BISHOPSYLVESTER WILLIAMS, SR., PRESIDING PRELATE “An Essential Church Developing A New Generation Of Leaders Through Word, Worship And Witness”

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3. 3 C HRISTIAN L AITY Those individuals who are not considered a part of the ordained preaching or pastoring ministry.

4. M INISTRY 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. 4

5. LAY MINISTRY Dedicated lay people assisting in the mission and ministry of the church; it is a ministry of all Christians. 5

6. 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. 6

7. 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. 7

8. THE LAY MINISTRY BELIEFSTHE LAY MINISTRY BELIEFS S TUDYING S EEKING S HARING S ERVING 8

9. STUDY W ITH P URPOSE A ND D ETERMINATION 9

10. SEEK B E S ENSITIVE T O T HOSE W HO D O N OT K NOW C HRIST 10

11. SHARE W ITH A S ENSE OF T HANKFULNESS 11

12. SERVE W ITH A G LAD H EART 12

13. THE LAY MINISTRY MISSION “To Reach, Teach, and Minister To All of God’s People, - Equipping Them For Greater Works and Service For Him.” 13

14. THE LAY MINISTRY OBJECTIVES T HE L AY M INISTRY O BJECTIVES WERE DESIGNED AND FORMULATED TO PROVOKE LAY MEN AND WOMEN TO ORDERLY AND ORGANIZED SERVICE FOR G OD AND H IS C HURCH. 14

15. 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 15

16. 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 16

17. 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 17