Available November 2008 “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs” ( The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2008 , ¶12 0. COMMITTEE ON LAY LEADERSHIP The heart of local church ministry is in its lay leadership. Identifying, developing , deploying and evaluating Christian spiritual leaders who serve from their strengths and gifts is a key to the life and vitality of the congregation. Look for this and more: A biblical/theological basis for the ministry of leadership Building the lay leadership s team The responsibilities of the pastor and team members How to get started and work together Identifying the congregation's gifts and leadership qualities Developing and empowering people for mission and leadership The twenty-six Guidelines cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church ; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees ; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, and Christian Education , age-level ministries, Communications , and more. Church Council Pastor Pastor Parish Relations Finance Stewardship Trustees Lay Leader/ Lay Member Leader Selection & Development Small Group Ministries Small Membership Church Christian Education Adult Ministries Children's Ministries Family Ministries Youth Ministries Evangelism Worship Advocates for Inclusiveness Church and Society Church Historian Communications Higher Education & Campus Ministry Mission Men's Ministries Women's Ministries Scouting & Civic Youth-Serving Ministry