What is a Lay Pastor?
All Christians are called by Christ to serve in His Church, but a Lay Pastor is a man or woman who has been called to lead one or more of the ministries of the local congregation. The call of an Ordained Pastor is different only in that he/she is called specifically to lead the church as a whole and to equip others (including Lay Pastors) for ministry, while a Lay Pastor is usually called to lead a particular ministry within the church.
Why do we need the Lay Pastor Program?
In the Bible, we see that although Jesus was often followed by crowds of hundreds or even thousands, His circle of consistent "members," His congregation, numbered about 70, and His inner circle of leaders was comprised of only 12. Modern congregations, however, often have hundreds or thousands of members who expect or require spiritual care and guidance. Clearly a single Ordained Pastor cannot adequately care for a flock of that size. Our situation is not unlike that of the early church in Acts 6, where the Twelve appointed and consecrated leaders from within the church so that they could return to their focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, that is, on equipping others to minister.
What are the goals of the Lay Pastor Program?
- To establish a covenant fellowship of Lay Christians (the Pastoral Team) which will work with the Pastor to reach out and tend to the many needs of the Christ Community church family
- To form prayer and accountability groups comprising a maximum of 12 Lay Pastors
- To be an example of authentic Christian servant leadership as taught in the Bible
- To be available to all members and active participants of Christ Community to provide selfless leadership, compassionate pastoral care, love, support and guidance
- To lovingly seek out and "return to the fold" any and all lost sheep
- To offer counsel to all who wish a closer relationship with Jesus Christ
- To provide one Lay Pastor for every 12 persons in active relationship with Christ Community United Methodist
What is the mission of a Lay Pastor?
The mission of a Lay Pastor is to serve Jesus Christ as part of a covenant fellowship of Lay Christians (the Pastoral Team) which works with the Pastor to care for the members and lead the ministries of Christ Community United Methodist Church.
For more information about the Lay Pastor program, contact the Senior Pastor.
2009 Lay Pastors
Doug Bondor
Danny Brown
Patty Eller
Priscilla Holtzhauser
Ann Hoskins
Michael Hoskins
Jan Julien
Bob Losee
Mary Prevatt
Dave Rattie
April Vance
David White
Keith Miller, Senior Pastor
Javier Montanez, Associate Pastor
