Thank you for your interest in serving as an elected lay leader for Community United Methodist Church. The process of considering a role of Christian leadership is one of discernment. Leaders of all abilities, who bring diverse perspectives to these positions, can help ensure a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility and Christian service.

Most terms of service are three years unless otherwise noted. You should be a member of Community in order to serve on a committee. Members should be regular in their worship attendance and be an identified giver to the church’s ministries and programs.

The Lay Leadership Committee typically meets over the summer to nominate leaders for the upcoming calendar year. These leaders will be approved by Charge Conference vote in the fall before they start.

Donna Turner

Vice-Chair, Lay Leadership Committee, Community UMC

Elected leaders fulfill vital governance roles for Community Church. These committees are composed of a diverse group of Christ-followers who seek to foster a church that strives toward its purpose of sharing God’s grace through loving all, growing in Christian faith, serving others and embracing a commitment to the Community. 

Below are the committee structure and key objectives:

Oversees the church’s real, personal, and intellectual property

• Establishes policies and practices regarding receipt, management, and disposal of church property
• Reviews plan for strategic building investments, e.g., roofing, asphalt, HVAC, audio/visual equipment, IT equipment.
• Oversees land acquisition and construction planning
• Reviews the Church’s plans for insurance, continuity, and protection
• Typically meets once a month. Trustees must be at least 18 years of age

Planning, administration, and oversight of fiscal policy

• Oversees budget and financial health of the church
• Reviews and approves the annual financial audit
• Develops plans to fund future building improvements, campus growth, and other needed investments
• Typically meets on the second Tuesday.

Represents the church at legislative sessions of the United Methodist Church in Lakeland

• Serves as a voice between our congregation and the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church
• Votes upon resolutions and petitions which affect the Florida Conference
• Requires multi-day meetings.

Identifies and develops volunteer leaders for governance committees 

• Helps identify and nurture lay leadership development
• Reviews and deliberates over congregant committee applications
• Prepares the annual committee nomination slate for the Church Conference
• Meets approximately 6 times per year

Serves as the chief governing body and the executive agency of the church between annual Church Conference meetings

• Establishes vision, sets direction and initiates strategy planning for church’s mission and ministries
• Provides for policy approval and oversight of the church’s administration
• Ensures congregational development leads to the fulfillment of the church’s purpose
• The Council is comprised of the pastors, the chair and vice-chair, the lay leader, the three pillar chairs and the heads of the administrative committees (Finance, SPR, Trustees).
• Typically meets six times a year.

We have three core pillars in which all of the major ministries of the church are organized: Connect (Worship), Discipleship (Bible Study/Missions) and Foundations (Preschool/Children/Youth).

• Leads pillar meetings with lay members and staff to help make decisions regarding programming and budgeting
• Pillars typically meet six times a year in the even months.

Serves as the liaison between the congregation and Community Christian School

• Oversees scholarship fund requests
• Plans for Preschool Sunday in worship each year
• Sets tuition rates and salaries for teachers
• Supports and encourages teachers throughout the year; supports and encourages the director’s work with teachers, students and families 
• Typically meets on the third Tuesday a.

Serves as the liaison between the congregation and its employees and clergy

• Oversees the church’s compensation, employment, and benefit practices
• Evaluates and recommends clergy candidates from our congregation
• Connects with existing staff to understand employee satisfaction and oversees the evaluations of pastors and staff.
• Makes recommendations to the Annual Conference regarding the appointment of pastors to the Church
• Typically meets at least once a quarter.