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Board of Laity

Selection Process Opens for the Next Iowa Conference Lay Leader

The Iowa Conference Board of Laity invites you to join them in celebrating the faithful service of Margaret Borgen, who has been our Conference Lay Leader since 2015. As her term concludes at the end of June 2024, the Board of Laity has been discerning the qualifications and process for selection of our next Lay Leader.  

We urge all individuals called to this vital role to express their interest by reviewing the qualifications and submitting an information form by January 16, 2024.  Or, if you know someone who would serve the conference well in this capacity, please encourage them to consider submitting their information prayerfully.  

To be considered, they must have been a professing member of the United Methodist Church for at least four years and currently an active member of an Iowa United Methodist congregation.  

We look forward to a collaborative and prayerful discernment process.

Lay Leader Interest Form

• Download and fill out the Lay Leader Interest Form and email to [email protected]. You will receive a response indicating that it has been received. 
• If you have questions about the criteria or position description or if you would like to talk about the role of Conference Lay Leader, please feel free to contact Margaret Borgen, at [email protected] or call (515) 490-9328. 

Qualifications

The successful candidate for the Iowa Conference Lay Leader position will possess the following qualifications: 

• A sense of God’s call to serve in this way.
• A deep desire to respond to God’s grace by service in this role and the firm belief that God’s grace is for everyone.
• Faith in and commitment to the future of the United Methodist Church.
• A high level of commitment to full participation of laity in planning and decision-making at every church level.
• Strong relational skills and the ability to work respectfully with persons with varying perspectives. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• At least a basic knowledge of the theology, history, and polity of the United Methodist Church.
• Ability to commit the needed time. 

Position Description

In undertaking this work, the Lay Leader always seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Lay Leader consults with the Bishop, interacts with Board of Laity colleagues and partners, learns from AACLL (Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders) and other Conference Lay Leaders, works with conference staff and utilizes conference resources (as available and appropriate), and delegates as possible, knowing that ultimate responsibility for the work in the Position Description lies with the office of Lay Leader. 

• The disciplinary description of responsibilities is in ¶607
• Nurture and encourage Board of Laity members and all laity. To be full partners in the decisions and work of the United Methodist Church.

• Lead and coordinate the work of the Board of Laity:

  • Plan for and conduct regular and special meetings of the Board.
  • Lead/coordinate planning for Laity Day with the Bishop
  • Lead/coordinate planning for Laity Session at Annual Conference.
• Facilitate action on continuing annual and special Board of Laity foci. (currently: Anti-Racism, Christian Nationalism, Reaching Youth and Serving those impacted by Disaffiliation).

• Facilitate the Board’s work of “Equipping Disciples to transform the world.” Examples:

  • Support and promote School for Lay Ministry and Lay Servant Ministries. 
  • Promote learning opportunities such as the Bishop’s Studies and Mission U, learning in the Districts, and Conference-wide training.
  • Regular Board learning.
• Advocate for and facilitate full lay participation in all planning and decision-making processes and venues. 
• Support and work with all lay-led entities: United Women in Faith, Ingathering, UMM, SLM, LSM, and others.
• Ensure that there is an active Conference Lay Servant Ministry Director in place (Disciplinary)
• Ensure that a BOL Secretary and a BOL Financial Secretary are in place (Appointed by LL based on specific skills and/or for balance. Not term-limited.)
• Ensure that the BOL Ministry Action Plan (MAP) is up to date and that an annual budget is prepared and submitted, reflecting those values.
• Authorize vouchers for payment of BOL expenditures. With the Financial Secretary, monitor the budget.
• Prepare and give the Laity Address at the Annual Conference.
• Additional actions to support and facilitate the work of laity and lay-led groups as they work with clergy colleagues for peace in the world and for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

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	BOL Chairperson and Conference Lay Leader Margaret Borgen [email protected]
	Secretary Will be filled following AC
	Financial Secretary Jeff Anderson [email protected]
	Aldersgate District Lay Leaders Karen and Scott Benton [email protected]
	Camp Clear Lake District Lay Leader Ann Trimble-Ray [email protected]
	Golden Valley District Lay Leader Michael Petkewec [email protected]
	Pictured Rocks District Lay Leader Cal Nicklay [email protected]
	Riverview Park District Lay Leader (also Associate Conference Lay Leader) Angela Hansen-Abbas [email protected]
	School for Lay Ministry Commission Chair (also Associate Conference Lay Leader) Marsha Gerot [email protected]
	Lay Servant Ministries Conference Director Colleen Petaros [email protected]
	Board Elected Member Marilyn Lancaster [email protected]
	Ex Officio United Women in Faith Conference President Gladys Alvarez                                                                                                                 [email protected]
	United Methodist Men Conference President Scott Knudtson [email protected]
	Ingathering Task Force Chair Alaire Willits [email protected]
	Heifer International Representative John Brockchink [email protected]
	United Methodist Youth Representative Open position
	Young Adult Representative Open position