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.
We will open nominations for the 2025 LEP elections in March. From March 3 to 28, 2025, nominations can be made by the district lay leader, district superintendent, pastor, local lay leadership, or self-nomination.
Responsibilities of the LEP member include:
- Engage in spiritual practices that build attentiveness to God’s will and direction. Members of the annual conference need to hold one another accountable to the Church’s mission and vision.
- Become knowledgeable about the connections, structures, and ministries of the annual conference, the United Methodist Church, and the local congregation.
- Attend all sessions, as available, of the Annual Conference. If unable to serve as a LEP member, notify the conference office to identify an alternate.
- During the conference session, the LEP member will participate in discussions, debates, voting, and all other activities of the Annual Conference.
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. In having this link, the church is even more clearly focused, and the responsibility of the laity in the call to ministry is more clearly understood.
Please note that elected lay members are responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodations. There is no funding available from the district or conference for travel, meals, or accommodations. College Hill Suites at East Carolina University provides very affordable lodging for Lay members to the Annual Conference, including LEP members.
We are grateful for our laity’s willingness to serve as Lay Equalization Plan members. The February newsletter will provide more details on the LEP nomination process. We hope that as you participate in the life and work of our annual conference, you will grow in your discipleship journey.
John Hall
Conference Lay Leader
North Carolina Conference of
The United Methodist Church
john.hall@nccumc.org