Menu
The organization assists in getting the membership of the local church involved in spiritual and political areas of the connectional AME Church. They are responsible for sharing information about the rules, regulations and duties of the members, officers and the pastor of each local church.
What is the purpose of the Lay Organization?
The purpose of the local lay organization is to get the membership of the local church involved in spiritual and political areas of the AME Church. The Purpose is also to learn about the rules, regulations and duties of the members, officers and the pastor of each local church.
What does the Connectional Lay Organization consist of
The Connectional Lay Organization shall be composed of the Episcopal District Lay Organizations, Conference Lay Organizations, District Lay Organizations of the Annual Conference and Organization of a Station or Circuit. The District Lay Organization of the Annual Conference is optional and shall only be organized where the Conference Lay Organization determines it to be necessary for the efficient conduct of its business.
Why have a Lay Organization at the church level?
The reason for organizing at the local church level is to provide the proper instructions for each new and old members of the local church as it relates to duties, responsibilities and loyalty to the AME Church as outlined in the AME Discipline.
Who is a layperson anyway?
All persons who have joined the AME denomination and have not been ordained is a layperson. It is each person’s responsibility to become an active member of the Lay Organization.
How do I benefit from joining the Lay Organization?
The benefits received from being an active member of the Lay organization include knowledge about the:
Rules, laws and procedures of the AME Church as outlined in the AME Discipline.
Lay Organization on the Local, District, Conference and the Connectional levels.
Constitution and by-laws which govern the political leadership in the local, district, conference and connectional levels of the church.
Function of each level of the Lay Organization
Laymen now have thus assembled,
In Thy blessed name O God.
Guide us in our true endeavor,
Light the pathway that we trod;
Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause
Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause.
We are banded one in union,
To fulfill Thy just command.
May we be Thy true disciples,
Holding to Thy mighty hand;
Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love
Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love.
As we walk this Christian journey,
Let us keep our armour bright.
Let our works be pure and holy
That we stand within Thy sight;
Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love
Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love.
May we stand before Thine altar,
Pledging Lord to work for Thee.
In the vineyard, in the pastures
Let us Lord Thy pilgrims be;
Let us lift the cross forever to the skies,
Let us lift the cross forever to the skies.
Tune: “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah”
Frances A. Walston
The objectives and purpose of the Lay Organization are outlined in its Constitution. The main objectives are stated in brief as follows:
These objectives can best be met when one works to understand the program of the church and relate the church to the World around us. Become involved in Social Action such that the church is then our Community – our Job – Our School, and everywhere that many assembles he carries the church with him.
May God bless us with the true spirit of Christianity, That we may live together, not as man over man, but as Lay persons working with God. Amen