Rev. Chand Analyser, LPM Pakistan
God calls the church to be a community of people who share a common purpose and fellowship, continually growing in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Paul describes the church as “His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:22–23).
God calls us into His body for the purpose of establishing a saving relationship with Him and a meaningful community with one another. The Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and minds, leads us to repentance, and brings us into the fellowship of the church.
Within the church, we experience the presence of Jesus Christ in the world. Likewise, the world experiences the living presence of Jesus Christ as it witnesses the life and ministry of the church. When a local church serves the world, it becomes an expression of Christ’s love to the world. It is the body of Christ meeting human needs and being used by the Holy Spirit as an instrument of salvation.
Thus, the church is a servant body. Created for service, it serves the Lord through praise, serves one another in love, and serves the world in humility. As Scripture says:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
God calls every member of the church into ministry. The church is a kingdom of priests, set free to minister effectively for Christ. Our priesthood is expressed both toward one another within the church and toward the world.
A lay pastor is a ministering servant of God. Like every Christian, a lay pastor is called to ministry, gifted by the Holy Spirit, and, through baptism, commissioned for ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).
God provides every person in the church with the resources needed for ministry—Scripture, spiritual power, Christlike character, and spiritual gifts. A lay pastor is equipped for ministry through the gifts and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Duties of the Lay Pastor
Although the specific structure of the program may differ from one conference or church to another, the ministry to which a person is called as a lay pastor can generally be described in the following ways:
1. Teamwork
Lay pastors work under the supervision of a senior pastor or district leader. They must also work closely with the local church board and other church leaders.
It is important to remember that a “lone ranger” style of leadership creates problems rather than building up the congregation. Lay pastors should meet regularly—ideally every week, or at least every other week—with their supervisor for meaningful one-on-one communication.
Only through regular communication can leaders support one another, share concerns, and work together effectively in ministry.
2. Preaching and Worship Leadership
One of the primary responsibilities of a lay pastor may be preaching and leading worship, perhaps three out of four Sundays, depending on the needs and structure of the local church.
This responsibility involves more than preparing a sermon. The lay pastor should also give attention to the entire worship service. In smaller churches, elders often play an important role in planning and leading worship. Therefore, it is essential for the lay pastor to work closely with them and help them become effective co-leaders in worship.
Any significant changes to the order of service should be discussed and approved according to the church’s established leadership structure.
3. Visitation
A lay pastor cannot adequately minister through preaching alone. Effective ministry requires regular personal contact with members of the congregation in their homes, workplaces, and daily lives.
Lay pastors are often expected to visit church members systematically, provide Bible studies for interested individuals, and maintain contact with visitors and newcomers.
Responsibilities regarding visits to the sick, funerals, and referrals for pastoral counseling should be clearly discussed with the senior pastor and the church board.
4. Chairing the Church Board
In some churches, the lay pastor may be expected to chair church board meetings regularly. For example, the lay pastor may chair several meetings while the senior pastor chairs others. In some congregations, a board member may be elected as chairperson.
The specific responsibilities of the lay pastor in this area should be clarified with the supervising pastor and the church board.
5. Midweek Meetings
The lay pastor should help provide opportunities for spiritual growth during the week. This may include conducting a prayer meeting, leading a Bible study group, organizing seminars, or offering lay ministry training.
These activities may be held one evening each week, depending on the church’s schedule and other meetings.
Midweek ministry is a vital part of a healthy and growing church. In many churches today, instead of holding one general midweek meeting, several home Bible fellowships, small groups, and seminars are offered on different days and in various locations.
This approach allows for greater participation and helps meet a wider range of spiritual and personal needs.
6. Planning
Every congregation needs a yearly plan for church growth and ministry. Such a plan helps ensure a balanced and continuing program of outreach, evangelism, disciple-making, and spiritual nurture.
The process of developing the plan is just as important as the plan itself. If church leaders and members do not participate in the planning process, they are less likely to support and carry out the plans.
Support and healthy church growth are more likely to take place when the church board or ministry council participates in an annual planning process and presents the ministry plan, together with the church budget, to the congregation.
The role of the lay pastor in this process should also be clearly defined. Will the lay pastor serve as a facilitator, or will the senior pastor take the primary leadership role? Whatever the structure may be, planning should be a shared responsibility.
The Spirit of LPM
The true spirit of Lay Pastors Ministry is not simply about assigning duties to a few people. It is about recognizing that every believer is called by God to serve.
LPM encourages the church to move from a ministry performed only by a few leaders to a ministry shared by the whole body of Christ. Lay pastors do not replace pastors; rather, they become partners in ministry, serving alongside pastors and helping the church fulfill its God-given mission.
The church is strongest when every member understands that ministry belongs to all of us. Together, pastors and laypeople can care for one another, nurture the congregation, reach the lost, and serve the world in the love of Christ.
This is the spirit of LPM: a shared ministry, a servant heart, and the whole body of Christ working together for the glory of God.