New: Information about the nomination and election process for the Conference Lay Leader has been added to the Conference Lay Leader page.
Board of Laity
What does the Board of Laity do?
The purpose of our Desert Southwest Conference Board of Laity is to foster an awareness of the role of laity in the United Methodist connection. Among our responsibilities are:
- Lift up the ministry of the laity across the Conference, including the theological basis for our ministry.
- Develop and promote stewardship of our time, talent and resources in cooperation with our Conference Covenant Council.
- Provide training for Lay Members of the Annual Conference.
- Provide support and direction for the ministry of the laity across our Conference.
- Promote the observance of Laity Sunday, scheduled each year for the third Sunday of October.
- Provide organization, direction and support for the development of leaders within our congregations and lay organizations.
To be effective in its purpose, the Board of Laity relates to Lay Speaking Ministries, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Youth, and United Methodist Young Adult Ministries, plus our Conference Scouting Program.
The Board of Laity receives its focus through the Covenant Council and our commitment to our Strategic Direction.
What are the priorities of the Board of Laity?
- To strengthen the relationships among all Lay Leaders of the Conference, by improving the quality and frequency of contact among Lay Leaders and through the Bishop's Days on the District and similar series. The BOL will focus our efforts on the Call to Action report by providing training and support to Lay Leaders across our Conference, assisting them to lead revitalization work in their respective congregations.
- To provide education and support for Lay Leaders and organizational leaders to continue on the path of spiritually based servant leadership, especially considering the implications of the Call to Action report.
- To lift up and support the leadership development opportunities available through our Communications Team by recruiting leaders and sponsoring training events ... Rethink Church, Welcoming Ministries, Local Church Marketing, Web Ministry and more. Beginning in 2010, trained leaders are ready to bring seminars in Welcoming Ministries to every congregation! Check with your District Office and District Lay Leader to schedule your congregation for this vital training!
- To actively support the continued development of Young Adult ministries throughout the Conference.
Who are the members of the Board of Laity?
The Board of Laity is chaired by the Conference Lay Leader, supported by our District Lay Leaders and leaders of key Conference lay organizations. We are privileged to have our Bishop, the Director of Connectional Ministries and the Conference Director of Communications on our team. You may contact these leaders by clicking on their names.
Jim Nibbelink
Conference Lay Leader
North District: Allie Lakey South District: Judy Robinson
Central East District: Ron Walker Central West District: Carol Armstrong
CW Assistant: Laurie Lineberry
Director of Lay Speaking Ministries: Bill Price
President, United Methodist Men: Conrad Menconi
President, United Methodist Women: Sharon Scobie
Conference Scouting Coordinator: Doug Wright
United Methodist Young Adults (Relevance!): Glen Simpson
United Methodist Youth: Joey Self-Price