Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians as they love God and neighbor. As God’s people grow in grace to become “all-love” disciples in community, we gather with others and connect all to God’s saving love in Jesus Christ. So, on Laity Sunday (this year, October 15, 2023), we continue to lift up the vocation of all to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – particularly as we consider what it means to hold fast to the pattern of healthy, sound words that bring life to all our relationships.
Discipleship Ministries has a variety of resources available to help churches celebrate Laity Sunday this year. Resources include a special prayer, Holy Communion liturgy, a litany and information about the history of the service.
View resources
A Word from J. Knapp, Conference Lay Leader:
Laity Sunday is a day during which we recognize and celebrate the work of the laity within our congregations. It is an opportunity to highlight all of the ministry activities that take place throughout the year.
For those involved in a specific ministry, it is difficult to imagine that not everyone realizes the work involved or the impact the ministry is having. I hope you will take this opportunity to not only recognize those that serve but really highlight and share the impact your ministries are having and celebrate that with your entire congregation!
Laity Sunday is a celebration of John Wesley’s vision for the Methodist church, and in true Wesleyan tradition this could be a completely lay led worship service on this Sunday morning.
If you have a certified Lay Speaker in your congregation, that is great! If you have more than one, those that are Advanced Certified may offer to speak at another church within your cluster. This is also an opportunity to identify and develop a church member who can be your guest speaker. It can be especially powerful to have a member of the church bring the message or share a testimonial.
We need to take advantage of this opportunity in celebrating our laity to help develop lay speakers in our churches and throughout the district. Encourage your pastor or church staff to view this as an opportunity to teach, mentor, and strengthen our laity.
This may also be an opportunity to strengthen our connection by having laity from our medium and larger churches offer to speak at a nearby smaller church. Or, your youth worship team may offer to lead worship at a neighboring small church!
There are so many things you can do lift up the ministry of the laity – whether it’s Oct. 15 or another Sunday during the year!
