The United Methodist Church has layspeakers in their denomination. What is a layspeaker? Do you think the AME Church will have layspeakers in the future?

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2004

Answers

Technically we do have layspeakers. Any un ordained person or layperson who speaks fits that bill. We just don't designate them as " Lay speakers" but anytime a politician or youth speak at your church that is what they really are. UM is not doing too much different in polity than us. They just use their resources better and those white folks money is in the pot to help their decison making process.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2004

Dear Bro. Wilson, I believe the term we in the AME church use for Lay Speakers is "Lay Evangelist", although I agrre with the other brother in that any of us who are Lay persons can in effect be Lay Speakers. One great Lay Speaker that comes to my mind is Doris J. Bailey of the 5th Episcopal District.

Katherine Thompson

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2004