Lay members play a key role in linking the mission and vision of the local congregation with the mission and vision of the Annual Conference. One of the many ways that the laity can actively participate in the life and work of our conference is through attending our annual conference meeting June 11-14, 2025, at the Greenville Convention Center.
In 2021, our Annual Conference adopted a Lay Equalization Plan (LEP) that helps guide the nomination and selection process for At-Large Lay Members to our annual conference. The purpose of this plan is to ensure an equal number of clergy (active & retired) and lay members participate in our NC Annual Conference. This plan calls for the District Superintendent and District Lay Leader(s) to nominate professing members from within their district as at-large members for participation in the NC Annual Conference meeting. The conference Board of Laity elects LEP members from these nominations.
Here is a short video that provides an overview of the plan, details on the nomination process, and a few details about the LEP member’s responsibilities.
From March 3 to 28, 2025, we are actively receiving lay equalization plan nominations. Nominations can be made by the district lay leader, district superintendent, pastor, local lay leadership, or self-nomination. You may also submit nominees yourself if you have spoken with someone who would like to be considered. You can absolutely submit more than one nomination!
Remember, this is a nomination in addition to the name(s) you have already elected at your annual charge conference. Our conference Board of Laity will review all nominations, and all who have been nominated will be notified by April 12, 2025, as to their status—either elected or alternate.
Here is the link for nominations. https://forms.nccumc.org/scripts/lep_nomination.php
Please submit all nominations by midnight on March 28.
Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in serving. We are asking both Pastors and Laity to help us seek, encourage, and ultimately send lay members of every age, gender, and ethnicity to the Annual Conference as we work together for our conference and the glory of our Savior.
Please note that elected lay members will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodations. The district or conference does not provide funding for travel, meals, or accommodations. College Hill Suites at East Carolina University provides very affordable lodging for Lay members, including LEP members, to the annual conference.
We are grateful for our laity’s willingness to serve as Lay Equalization Plan members. We hope that as you participate in the life and work of our annual conference, you will grow in your discipleship journey. Thank you in advance for helping us to ensure that our decision-making members are as creative and diverse as the God who created us all!
John Hall
Conference Lay Leader