Lay leader
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A lay leader is a member of the laity in any congregation who has been chosen as a leader. [1][2][3] Since lay leadership is not an ordained clerical office, the lay leader's responsibilities vary according to the particular tradition to which he or she belongs. Some organizations do not allow the lay leader to give sacraments for example, but do allow them to perform most other portions of the service that are normally the responsibility of the clergy (e.g. giving sermons when the regular clergy are on vacation). The Assemblies of God official position paper on Ordination states, "When necessary, the laity can perform all of the functions of ministry except those for which the State requires an ordained minister."
A lay leader in a Christian congregation, other than the professional paid minister, is one who volunteers to lead a ministry.
Various titles are used for lay leaders in different religious organizations, including lay preacher; lay reader (in Episcopal churches); lay speaker (in the United Methodist Church, USA); local preacher (in the UK Methodist Church and the Uniting Church in Australia); Reader (in the Anglican Church); and deacon, though this last title can also refer to an ordained ministry.
[edit] Responsibilities
The following list gives examples of things lay leaders may be responsible for
- acting as ushers
- making announcements
- reading scripture
- giving guest preaching sermons
- conducting a complete service
