GSUMC – Role Description
We are called to love, worship, and serve as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Role: Lay Member of the Annual Conference (¶249.5)
Ministry Area: Resource Ministries – Administrative Council
Purpose
Term: Three years, may be renewed.
Role Summary:
The lay member(s) of the annual conference and alternates shall be elected annually or quadrennially as the annual conference directs. If the charge’s lay representative to the annual conference shall cease to be a member of the charge or shall for any reason fail to serve, an alternate member in the order of election shall serve in place.
Both the lay members and the alternates shall have been professing members in good standing of The United Methodist Church for at least two years and shall have been active participants for at least four years next preceding their election (see 32), except in a newly organized church, which shall have the privilege of representation at the annual conference session.7 No local pastor shall be eligible as a lay member or alternate.8 United Methodist churches that become part of an ecumenical shared ministry shall not be deprived of their right of representation by a lay member in the annual conference. The lay member(s) of the annual conference, along with the pastor, shall serve as an interpreter of the actions of the annual conference session. These persons shall report to the local church council on actions of the annual conference as soon as possible, but not later than three months after the close of the conference.
Responsibilities:
1. Member of Administrative Council.
2. Serve as a liaison between the Annual Conference and the local congregation
Skills:
1. Good listening skills.
2. Organizational skills.
3. Good interpersonal skills.
4. Multi-media communications skills.
Estimated Time per Month: Required to attend Annual Conference, 3-4 days in June.
RM_Council_Lay_Member_of_Annual_Conference.wpd 1 January 29, 2010