How to Build an Effective Lay Organization:
Tips for Building a Successful Lay Organization
As the teaching and training arm of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Lay Organization is mandated to instruct lay members of every Episcopal District, Annual Conference and local church thusly:
- To instill in the membership of the church a great love for, and appreciation of the history, tradition and principles of the African Methodism.
- To keep forever alive the sacred memory of Richard Allen, our founder.
- To advocate respect and loyalty at all times to constituted authority.
- To encourage the duty to support the total program of the church in the local congregation, in the community, and throughout the Connection.
- To encourage, stimulate and educate the laity of our church in the history, development and organic laws of African Methodism.
- To foster a systematic and regular study of the discipline of the A.M.E. Church, and parliamentary procedures, to the greater knowledge and information may be disseminated among the laity, and with further purpose of encouraging lay members to participate more largely in the general functioning and supervision of the A.M.E. Church.
- To foster influence and support all constructive and progressive legislation for the church.
- To provide for greater integration and recognition in the A.M.E. church, promote the spread of personal evangelism, provide training in Christian Stewardship, open new areas of service, increase the circulation of the church papers, provide better support for the churches and the ministries, provide for the orderly training of laymen for effective service, and promote the fellowship of laymen throughout the Connection.