Laity Sunday calls disciples to action

Laity Sunday, set for Oct. 19, is United Methodism’s annual celebration of the work and mission of laity. “Disciples Called to Action” is the Laity Sunday theme for the 2013-16 quadrennium. Worship and programming resources compiled by the General Board of Discipleship for 2014 focus on “Engaging Small Groups.”

Small groups are key to an effective discipleship system. Jesus modeled this with his small group of 12 disciples. He taught them how to study and pray, give generously, serve one another, practice hospitality and live sacrificially. Those components were foundational to the spread of the Wesleyan movement. During the days of the circuit riders, in the absence of clergy, lay leadership was essential in establishing and developing small groups, which helped the Methodist movement to expand worldwide. Today, many of the fastest-growing United Methodist congregations are built upon these same principles.

It is for their contributions to the Wesleyan movement, to the building of United Methodism and to the reclaiming of that movement in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world that we celebrate the ministry of the laity today.

Find ideas for worship on Laity Sunday at www.gbod.org/resources/worship-suggestions-for-laity-sunday-2014.

The Rev. Jodi Cataldo, director, Laity in Leadership, Leadership Ministries Division, General Board of Discipleship