Laity Sunday is October 19. How will you honor and celebrate the ministry of the laity in your congregation?
TAYORIE BAILEY
Co-Lay Leader, Michigan Conference
DENNY WISSINGER
Co-Lay Leader, Michigan Conference
Laity Sunday offers the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the gifts, callings, and ministries of lay people within the church and their communities. It is also a way we can express the deep conviction that all are called to participate in God’s mission and live out this calling.
Observed by United Methodists on the third Sunday in October, which falls on October 19 this year, Laity Sunday is a special Sunday defined by General Conference “to celebrate the ministry of all lay Christians, as their lives are empowered for ministry by the Holy Spirit” (Book of Discipline — 2020/2024, ¶ 264.2). If October 19 doesn’t work for your congregation, choose a date that does.
The 2025 theme is “Together by Grace — Be Strong in the Spirit,” taken from Ephesians 3:16, which states: “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit” (NRSVUE). Soon, Discipleship Ministries will publish worship resources on this web page for congregational use.
As this year’s theme emphasizes, we are all called to rely on God through the spiritual strength of God’s grace, supporting one another instead of relying on our own personal interests. We are called to put our spiritual gifts and talents to use in serving God and others. So, on Laity Sunday this year, we gather with others and rediscover practices of togetherness that reveal God’s presence for the life of the world.
With fewer pastors becoming available in our annual conference and more pastors having to serve multiple charges, it becomes increasingly demanding that laity step forward to fill the voids created by the exceptionally heavy workloads of pastors. Without increased support from laity, pastors can become less effective, eventually burning out.
And the good news is that lay members of our churches are already doing amazing things! They provide pulpit supply, serve as liturgists, lead committees, teach Sunday school, facilitate Bible studies, lead prayer teams, serve as choir directors and members, among many other roles.
So, what is your church planning for Laity Sunday and beyond? What are some ways you can encourage laity in your congregation to use their spiritual gifts and talents in serving God? We’d love to hear your ideas, so share them with us!
Please email us and share your Laity Sunday experience. How did you honor and celebrate them publicly? Also, tell us how you’ve engaged the laity in your congregation in ministry. What has worked well for you? Our email addresses are [email protected] and [email protected]. We’re here to support you and cheer you on in your calling!
Last Updated on September 26, 2025