Nominations and Leader Development

Lay leaders are essential to our church family. They help shape our direction, guide ministries, and support programs that enable us to love our neighbors, strengthen community, and build a lasting legacy as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

In the United Methodist Church, congregational leaders are nominated for approval and elected at the church’s fall charge conference, or, when urgent, at a Leadership Board meeting. To help maintain these positions, we must inspire and equip them while ensuring broad representation and preventing burnout—nontolerant, nonretardive, through the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee.

Denominational requirements state that the purpose of the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee is to identify, develop, and deploy, evaluate, and monitor Christian spiritual leadership for the local congregation.

The following four resources are provided to guide you. First, the Nominations process used at First UMC Winter Park explains which roles require nomination and the qualifications for serving in a leadership role. Second, a leadership questionnaire is available for those interested in being nominated. Third, a spiritual gifts inventory can help you identify your God-given talents. Finally, a list of current lay leaders is included.