CELEBRATING AND GROWING LAITY IN THE SCIOTO RIVER DISTRICT
"It was up to the laity to maintain, lead, and grow the local church. The laity are not part of God's church - the laity ARE God's church! Church is not some place to go. Church is who we are called to be." (https://umc.org)
Rediscover Wesley's vision of a lay-led church
How did John Wesley empower lay people?
How can you serve your church?
How do you feel you have been equipped?
What equipping/training/assistance do you want/need now?
How might you help others in living into their Call to serve God & neighbor?
PATHS TO LAY LEADERSHIP IN YOUR CHURCH
- Laity learning from clergy and/or laity through mentorships, study, teach/learn opportunities.
- Lay Ministry certification as a Lay Servant, Lay Speaker or Certified Lay Minister
- Licensed Local Pastor or Deaconess/Home Missioner
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
- Lay Servant Ministries courses across the conference (many available virtually)
- Begin preparing for Laity Sunday (October 18, 2026)
- Subscribe to West Ohio Conference newsletter for information on Laity Convocations in 2026 and 2027 (scroll to the bottom of the home page)
- Take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory and discuss the results with your pastor.
HAVE QUESTIONS? IDEAS? COMMENTS?
Linda Diltz - District Lay Leader lindadiltz1@gmail.com
Judy Hug - District Lay Ministry judyhug@love-first.org