Betty Dizard Lay Organization
The Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is commissioned to teach, train and empower its members for lay ministry, global leadership and service following the tenets of Jesus Christ.
Our Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to organize and train the laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church so that lay persons may maximally utilize their God given abilities, and skills to improve and extend the kingdom, to create happiness, peace, and harmony among its members.
Our Lay Organization chapter is named after one of our beloved members Betty Dizard, who was prided for her devoted dedication to this ministry in the Macon East District.
All references made regarding the Lay Organization are from The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church pages, 470-472, 2016
Objectives of The Lay
The objectives of the lay ministry in the church are to instill a love for and appreciation of the history, traditions, principles, and development of African Methodism among the membership. This includes perpetuating the memory of Richard Allen, the founder of the AMEC, advocating respect for constituted authority, and fostering loyalty. The lay ministry encourages support for the church's programs locally, in the community, and throughout the Connection. It promotes the study of The Doctrine and Discipline and parliamentary procedure to enhance knowledge among the laity, encourages progressive legislation for the church, and supports the use of modern technology. Additionally, it aims to spread personal evangelism, provide training in Christian stewardship beyond monetary giving, increase church periodical circulation, offer systematic training for lay persons, promote harmonious fellowship, assist AME educational institutions, and contribute financially to the Connectional Lay Economic Development Corporation (CLEDC) for Connectional programs.
Some extending branches of the Lay Organization are the Women’s Missionary Society and The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the AME Church.
If you would like more information on the Lay Organization, check out their AME website here.
If you would like more information on The Christian Recorder, check out the AME website here.
If you would like more information on the Women’s Missionary Society, check out our page here.