Lay members of Annual Conference 2024 gathered Thursday morning for the Laity Executive Session, which opened with a welcome by Conference Lay Leader John Hall and music led by Jay Locklear. Throughout the morning, those gathered were reminded of the 2024 theme of Disciple Making, Leader Forming, and Peace Building.
Ministry Reports
NC Conference Youth President Emily Johnson shared scripture and reflections on what it means to be followers of Christ in light of this year’s conference theme, with a focus on building relationships that transcend disagreement. She also offered quiet time for the laity to pause and consider how they can be people of reconciliation and hope in their own communities. Youth present at Annual Conference were recognized with appreciative applause.
Panelists from various lay ministries then shared ways their ministries have worked to make disciples for Christ in the past year. The panelists included representation from United Women in Faith (UWF) by LaNella Smith, Lay Servant Ministries by Pam Strug, United Methodist Men (UMM) by Bill Huggins, and United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) by Emily Johnson. Each communicated how their areas of ministry are committed to being United Methodists of action because of their faith.
Laity were invited and challenged to consider being active partners in God’s work through the question, “How is God calling you?” They were encouraged to participate in the 40+ Lay Servant courses available to discern ministry area callings; being part of local churches in UWF, UMM, or UMYF; or serving in a leadership capacity.
Jay Locklear led the congregation in singing Wesley’s Covenant Prayer. It was a meaningful reminder that God calls us to a life of discipleship and humble servanthood.
Featured Speaker, Dr. Margaret Brunson
Dr. Margaret Brunson was a featured speaker for the session. Raised in the NC Conference as a clergy child, Brunson is a lay member of the NC Conference, serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and owns a consulting and coaching firm in Durham. She led a discussion in contemplating the subject of transformation and change, specifically, “Transformative Leadership: Leading Through the Liminal.” She invited reflection on what the transformation process through liminal spaces (times of uncertain transition) might look like for churches and communities. A charge and encouragement was provided to engage in collective visioning and assessment activities within local churches. Recognizing that change is challenging, Brunson emphasized the need to maintain awareness of the culture that is needed to drive ministries forward and to continue asking questions like, “How do we live into our values” and, “What should we start, stop, and continue?” She also reminded those gathered that they are leaders in their churches and communities and encouraged each to step more fully into that role.
Partnership With AMEZ Churches
After additional congregational singing, lay members and leaders then shared stories of peace-building, highlighting a newly-formed collaboration with UMC and AMEZ churches as a model for connectional ministry founded on relationship-building and the common ground of family and faith.
Conference Logistics and Sending Forth
Dr. Christine Dodson, Conference Treasurer, then provided an orientation on Annual Conference with an overview of the logistics for the next 2 days. The session ended with information shared by outgoing Beacon District Lay Leader, Tom Santa, about Lay Servant Ministry classes and closed in song and a prayer led by incoming Beacon District Lay Leader Tracy Manigault.