In this video, John Hall, Conference Lay Leader, reflects on the recent Annual Conference gathering, highlighting the importance of the laity’s role in the church’s disciple-making process. In the Laity Executive Session, lay members were encouraged to share how we can participate in the disciple-making process of engaging, connecting, equipping, and sending. The Board of Laity collected over 500 responses. They are analyzing and categorizing this feedback and plan to share a summary report with the conference by year-end. Laity, thank you for your active participation in and contributions to the life of our Annual Conference.
Transcript
Hello friends – I’m John Hall, and I’m honored to serve as your Conference Lay Leader.
We came together at Annual Conference earlier this year to share in the life and work of our church. A part of that gathering was our Laity Executive Session, where we heard stories from across our conference of how our laity is living their faith story. We heard stories of the disciple-making process from Bishop Shelton, as she reminded us that discipleship begins with relationship. We heard stories of engaging, connecting, equipping, and sending.
We also asked each of you to share with each other how each of us could participate in this disciple-making process – we asked the question, “What do you and your church family need to fulfill God’s vision of engaging, connecting, equipping, and sending?” You were asked to share your thoughts with each other, as well as write them on Post-it notes.
Your conference Board of Laity has collected those notes, and let me share some thoughts with you.
We see you
There were 627 laity from across our conference who were registered for our Annual Conference gathering in June. We celebrate each and every one who took time from their busy lives to come to Greenville and participate in the fellowship and life and work of our church.We hear you
We collected over 500 replies during our ‘sharing session,’ stories of encouragement, and ways to move forward in our churches.We’re here with you
Your Board of Laity is actively working through your notes, categorizing and organizing the data, and developing action plans. Our plan is to have a summary report ready to share with you by the end of this year. We will also share these findings with our conference leadership team and cabinet.Once again, thanks for your active participation in our Annual Conference this year and for sharing your thoughts with each other and with us. Continued blessings on your ministry!