Lay Excellence

Forming faithful, capable lay leaders for shared ministry.

Lay excellence names the commitment of the Susquehanna Conference to cultivate lay leaders who serve with faithfulness, skill, and accountability. We believe the church flourishes when every baptized disciple is equipped to lead, serve, and witness alongside clergy in the work of God’s mission.

Lay excellence is not about titles or performance. It is about discipleship, formation, and shared responsibility for the life and ministry of the church.

What We Mean by Lay Excellence

Lay Excellence reflects a shared understanding of leadership across the Conference. It emphasizes:

  • Spiritually grounded leadership rooted in prayer, worship, and discipleship
  • Ongoing formation beyond initial training or election to a role
  • Shared ministry between clergy and laity (the claity)

Faithful stewardship of people, resources, and mission

What Lay Excellence Looks Like in Practice

In congregations shaped by Lay Excellence:

  • Leaders are discerned and supported, not simply recruited
  • Leadership teams reflect the diversity of the body of Christ
  • Gifts are cultivated through training, mentoring, and experience
  • Responsibility is shared with trust, clarity, and accountability
  • Excellence is pursued with humility, not perfectionism

How Lay Excellence is Lived Out

Across the Susquehanna Conference, Lay Excellence is expressed through several interconnected pathways:

Helping congregations, districts, and the conference identify and support faithful, gifted leaders

Structured formation and certification for lay leaders called to preach, teach, lead, and serve

Courses, workshops, and learning experiences that strengthen lay leadership at every stage

Each of these pathways supports the development of confident, capable lay leaders who serve with integrity and purpose.

A Shared Commitment

Lay Excellence is a culture we build together. When clergy and laity lead in partnership - grounded in faith, equipped for service, and committed to growth - the church is strengthened, communities are transformed, and God’s love is made visible in the world.

Lay Excellence
- Nominations
- Lay Servant Ministries
- Training Opportunities
- Spiritual Gifts Assessment
- Worship Resources
- Justice Resources

Questions?

Joyce Davis
Conference Lay Leader

Christina McDermott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Ron Swift
Director of Lay Servant Ministries