FROM: Conference Board of Lay Ministry
As you may be aware, William Thompson is concluding his first term as Lay Leader of the Annual Conference. While Bill is willing to serve another term and The Book of Discipline 2020/2024 allows for this, in the interest of fairness and openness to God’s will, we are publishing this opening so that if there are other willing and qualified individuals interested in serving God in this way, they may be nominated.
We are circulating this letter to broad groups across the conference to give the Laity the widest possible opportunity for people to step forward to serve in this important leadership position. We ask the Laity to consider this request and share it with others for their input.
All names receiving a minimum of 10 written nominations from the Laity will be processed at a meeting of the Board of Lay Ministry on April 22 and brought before the 2026 Laity Session of Annual Conference. The Conference Committee on Sessions has provided time at the Laity Session on Tuesday, May 19 to finalize the nomination after which it will be taken to the Annual Conference for a consensus vote.
Although you can find a full description for the Conference Lay Leader in ¶ 607 of The Book of Discipline 2020/2024, the following is an overview of that description:
The Annual Conference Lay Leader is required to be a member of the following committees (he or she may be asked to serve on other committees):
Conference Committees
- Member of the Annual Conference
- Member of the EPA Connectional Table (and part of Executive Committee)
- Chairperson of the Board of Lay Ministry
- Conference Committee on Nominations & Leadership
- Conference Committee on Episcopacy
- Commission on Conference Sessions
- Other Boards or Agencies of the Annual Conference by virtue of office
Jurisdictional
Board of Laity – meets once a year
National
National Association of Conference Lay Leaders
Election Process
In order for a person to be presented to the Annual Conference for consideration, he or she must have ten (10) nominations. Nominations of individuals along with contact information and the name & address of the nominator must be submitted or postmarked by April 17, 2026. The primary discussion and election will be at the Laity Session with the successful candidate being presented at the General Session for a consensus vote.
Helpful Qualifications
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Availability to participate in anticipated events
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the conference
- Leadership and Team-building skills
- A Christ Servant Minster
All persons will be considered regardless of current leadership positions they now hold. We ask your prayers for the Board of Lay Ministry as we seek to elect our Lay Leader for 2026-2030. All nominations must be postmarked or emailed by April 17, 2026 to:
George Hollich
Attention: Board of Lay Ministry
212 West Orchard Drive, Palmyra, PA 17078… or emailed to “hollich@comcast.net”
Download the nomination form & nominate someone today!