Lay Leader's Blog

By the time you read this, General Conference 2012 will be over. Decisions will have been made, tired delegates will have gone home, and the real work of the church -- congregations of Jesus’ disciples reaching out to invite and make a difference -- will continue.

“Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. 5:17) This familiar scripture admonition is appropriate anytime – especially now as we approach the next important gathering of United Methodist leaders called “General Conference”.

Friendly & Congenial. Focused. Spiritual (at times). Pivotal. Diverse. Seeking Leadership. Contentious (at times). Lacking a sense of Urgency for major change. Hope.

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit

When I speak to groups of lay leaders about their role in the church, I tell them to remember two words: “Mission” is one (discussed in the last article). The other is “Pastor”. “What?” they say. “Aren’t we talking about our role as lay leaders? Why is ‘Pastor’ so important to fruitfulness in lay ministry?”

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit.

After “Jesus”, leaders in the church must have a clear focus upon the ”Mission” if they want to be successful, or fruitful, in ministry. That’s the second of our ten words.

Ten Words to Remember for a Fruitful Lay Ministry: Jesus, Mission, Pastor, Field, Connect, Read, Simple, Discipline, Fruit, Spirit.

Have you ever noticed the tendency for leaders to simplify things in communicating? Complex, multi-dimensional ideas are simplified into a few key words. This helps in memory retention, and also helps focus upon the essential idea undergirding the message

Two simple, yet powerful words: “So That”.

Lately I’ve been drawn to these simple words as a way to get to the purpose, the intended results of actions. Or, in the nomenclature of leadership principles, to align our actions with our mission.

It’s been a few weeks now since we met in Springfield for Annual Conference. Once again, it was an inspiring time of conferencing, connecting, and committing.

Devastation. That’s a word used many times to describe the destruction left behind by the tornado that hit Joplin.

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Those are the words Isaiah reported hearing from the Lord, calling him to prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:8). The same words apply to us now, as we prepare for Annual Conference together.

57. That’s the average age of United Methodist members. It’s been going up for many years. The average age. And that’s actually lower than the average for many congregations in Missouri.

The past few weeks have provided many opportunities for me to interact with leaders of the United Methodist Church at virtually all levels – local congregation, conference, and denomination.