Join Our Lay Ministry Training

A strong laity is crucial to a vibrant church because laypeople (non-ordained members) constitute the vast majority of the "Body of Christ" and act as its "front lines" in the world. When laypeople are actively engaged, empowered, and equipped, they transform the church from a dependent organization into a flourishing community. 

• Boots on the Ground": Laypeople interact with workplaces, schools,      parks, and community groups, providing a daily witness to the Gospel in areas clergy cannot reach.
• "Leaven" in Society: Laypeople are uniquely positioned to permeate      temporal affairs—politics, economics, and technology—with the spirit of      the Gospel.
• Active Evangelizers: They are the primary agents of evangelization,      sharing their faith through personal testimony and their daily lives. critical thinking, and leadership development, our teachers inspire and challenge our students to become the best versions of themselves.

• "Every Member a Minister": A strong laity embraces their spiritual gifts, viewing themselves not as spectators but as primary ministers of the church.
• Alleviating Clergy Strain: When laity are trained to handle administrative tasks, pastoral care, and teaching, pastors are free to focus on their unique role of preaching, sacramental ministry, and equipping the saints.
• Sustainability: Lay-driven teams provide continuity in ministry, making the church less dependent on a single leader and more resilient to pastoral changes. 

• Diversity of Gifts: A strong laity brings unique professional skills (law, medicine, education, psychology) and varied life experiences to church leadership.
• Joyful Participation: Active lay participation in liturgical roles—readers, musicians, and greeters—creates a more welcoming and      inclusive atmosphere.
• Small Christian Communities: Laypeople fuel the church through small groups, faith-sharing, and Bible studies, strengthening the bonds of community. 

• Ownership and Stewardship: Empowered laypeople take ownership of the church's mission, leading to increased stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.
• Family as Domestic Church: A strong laity strengthens the family, which acts as the "domestic church" (ecclesia domestica), providing the first education in faith.
• Wisdom and Governance: Lay participation on pastoral and finance      councils ensures that decisions are sound and represent the entire      community. 

• Witness over Teaching: People often trust witnesses more than teachers, and the life of a dedicated layperson provides a credible, tangible witness of faith in action.
• Relatability: Lay leaders can better relate to the everyday struggles and joys of the community, fostering empathy and deeper connection. 

• Wilma Shively - shivewj@solmfl.org (Program Chair)
• William Hamilton -