The United Methodist Church (UMC) has long emphasized the vital role of lay leadership within its ecclesial structure. In the context of the Philippines, where the church is actively engaged in mission and ministry across diverse cultural and socio-economic landscapes, the formation of intentional lay leadership has never been more urgent. Laypeople are essential to the life of the church, not only because they outnumber the clergy but also because of their unique ability to serve as bridges between the church and the broader community. In light of the Great Commission, where Christ commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), lay leadership in the UMC must be empowered, trained, and mobilized to fully respond to this call. This essay explores the importance of intentional lay leadership formation in the United Methodist Churches in the Philippines, calling for a renewed focus on equipping laypeople to actively participate in the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
1. The Theological Foundation for Lay Leadership in the UMC
The United Methodist Church has always upheld the belief that all Christians, not just clergy, are called to participate in God’s mission. This principle is rooted in the Wesleyan understanding of the “priesthood of all believers,” which asserts that every Christian is a minister in their own right, called to proclaim the Gospel and serve the community. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, relied heavily on lay leaders to carry out the work of the movement, particularly when the demand for preaching and pastoral care exceeded the capacity of ordained ministers. Wesley famously remarked, “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell.” The Wesleyan movement thus affirmed that laypeople have a critical role in the church’s mission, an affirmation that continues to inform UMC theology and practice today.
In the context of the Great Commission, laypeople are not merely passive recipients of ministry but active agents of God’s mission. The UMC’s Book of Discipline emphasizes that the laity share in the responsibility of “proclaiming the good news and leading the Church in its mission.” Theologically, this means that all baptized Christians are called to witness to the love and grace of God in their daily lives and within their communities, fulfilling the dual call to personal piety and social holiness.
2. The Current State of Lay Leadership in the UMC in the Philippines
The Philippines is home to a dynamic and growing United Methodist presence, with churches actively engaged in evangelism, social justice, and community service. However, the demands of ministry in such a diverse and populous nation necessitate that the church more fully develop its lay leadership capacities. Many UMC congregations in the Philippines face challenges related to clergy shortages, particularly in rural areas, making it essential for lay leaders to take on greater responsibilities in pastoral care, worship leadership, and evangelistic outreach.
Despite these needs, there is still a gap in the intentional formation and empowerment of lay leadership. In many churches, laypeople are involved in local church administration or volunteer work, but often without adequate training or theological grounding for their roles. This lack of intentional leadership development can limit the effectiveness of the church’s mission, as laypeople may feel unprepared or hesitant to take on greater roles in ministry.
3. A Call to Action: Intentional Lay Leadership Formation
To address these challenges, the United Methodist Churches in the Philippines must prioritize intentional lay leadership formation as a strategic response to the Great Commission. The goal is to create a robust system of leadership development that not only equips laypeople with the practical skills needed for ministry but also deepens their spiritual formation and understanding of their role in God’s mission. This call to action involves several key components:
a. Theological Education and Spiritual Formation
Lay leaders must be equipped with a strong theological foundation to effectively carry out their roles in mission and ministry. Local churches, districts, and annual conferences should invest in providing theological education opportunities for laypeople, whether through formal programs, lay servant ministries, or workshops. Understanding the biblical and theological basis for their work empowers lay leaders to speak confidently about their faith, preach, teach, and engage in evangelistic outreach with greater effectiveness. As one Methodist scholar notes, “An educated laity is crucial for the vitality and sustainability of the church’s mission.”
In addition to theological education, spiritual formation is essential. Lay leaders must be grounded in practices of prayer, Bible study, and worship that sustain their spiritual lives and enable them to model Christian discipleship in their communities. John Wesley’s emphasis on the means of grace—works of piety and works of mercy—provides a framework for holistic lay formation, where both personal holiness and social action are nurtured.
b. Training in Practical Ministry Skills
Beyond theological education, lay leaders need practical training to serve effectively in their local churches and communities. This includes training in areas such as preaching, leading small groups, pastoral care, and community organizing. In many rural and underserved areas, laypeople often serve as the primary leaders of worship and pastoral care. Providing them with practical skills ensures that they can confidently fulfill these roles, even in the absence of ordained clergy.
Moreover, training should focus on the specific cultural and socio-economic contexts in which lay leaders minister. The diverse cultural landscape of the Philippines requires contextualized approaches to mission and evangelism. Lay leaders should be trained to engage with their communities in culturally sensitive and contextually relevant ways, addressing both spiritual and practical needs.
c. Fostering a Missional Mindset
Finally, intentional lay leadership formation must cultivate a missional mindset among lay leaders. This means equipping them to see themselves as active participants in God’s mission to the world, called to make disciples and transform society. The Great Commission is not merely the responsibility of the clergy but of every baptized Christian. Laypeople must be empowered to share their faith in everyday settings—whether in their workplaces, schools, or local communities—and to see their vocations as opportunities for mission.
A missional mindset also involves a commitment to social justice, as the Wesleyan tradition calls for both evangelism and engagement with the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. Lay leaders should be encouraged to identify and respond to the needs of their local communities, participating in works of mercy and justice that reflect God’s Kingdom values.
4. Conclusion: Responding to the Call
Intentional lay leadership formation in the United Methodist Churches in the Philippines is critical for responding to the Great Commission. By equipping laypeople with theological education, practical ministry skills, and a missional mindset, the UMC can mobilize its members to effectively participate in God’s mission to the world. As the church faces increasing challenges related to clergy shortages, social injustices, and cultural diversity, the role of lay leaders becomes even more essential. This call to action invites the church to renew its commitment to empowering lay leaders who will make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world, echoing Wesley’s belief that the church is a community of all believers called to witness and serve.
Notes
- Matthew 28:19 (NRSV).
- John Wesley, The Works of John Wesley, 3rd ed., vol. 8 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1991), 299.
- The United Methodist Church, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 (Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 2016), ¶127.
- J. Russell Hale, The United Methodist Way: Living Our Beliefs (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2017), 102.
- Leonard Sweet, The Greatest Story Never Told: Reviving the Church with Wesley’s Message (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2012), 56.
