One of the items of business at the 23rd session of the Dakotas Annual Conference to be held June 9-11, 2016 in Sioux Falls will be to elect conference and district lay leadership. The election of conference lay leadership happens every four years.

Conference and district lay leaders have a responsibility to promote the role of laity as we work to fulfill our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In partnership with the bishop, district superintendents and local church lay leaders, the work of conference and district lay leaders has huge potential for increased vitality throughout the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church.

At the conference level the Dakotas Conference will be electing two people or co-lay leaders.  In addition, there will be four district lay leaders elected.  Blaine Wilson, Celebration UMC, Brandon, South Dakota currently serves as the Dakotas Conference Lay Leader.

“It has been my privilege to represent the Dakotas Conference as the Lay Leader over the past four years,” said Wilson. “The laity of the Dakotas Conference have taken great strides during this period in their efforts to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  While there is always work to be done, I feel a great deal has been accomplished, particularly in the area of leadership development.”

Wilson has provided leadership in several areas including training of laity who are discerning a call, lay servant speaking and representing laity at Extended Cabinet meetings.  He has found the work very rewarding but a challenge to fit into his work schedule.

“In a perfect world, I would continue my work alongside the laity of the conference,” said Wilson. “However, there are some things in my life that will require more of my time moving forward. I have an opportunity to take on a new role at my employer, and the transition process for this will demand much more of my focus and talents than in previous years. Therefore, it is with regret and anticipation that I inform you that I will not seek re-election for the position of Dakotas Conference Lay Leader.”

The process for selecting new leadership begins with discernment and prayer.  Laity across the Dakotas Conference are invited to pray and discern about a role as a leader at the conference and district level. Individuals who feel called to serve as a conference lay leader should complete the online application (click here) by May 2, 2016. Applicants will be interviewed in May by a leadership team and the Bishop.  A slate of nominees for co-conference lay leaders will be presented at the laity session on June 9, 2015 at the 23rd Dakotas Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

Persons who feel a call to serve at the district level should contac their District Superintendent. District Superintendents also invite pastors and laity to submit names of persons they believe have the gifts for this important ministry. Please e-mail your district superintendent as follows:

Rev. Randy Cross, Eastern Sunrise District (e-mail)      

Rev. Roger Spahr, Glacial Lakes District (e-mail)             

Rev. Kevin Kloster, Prairie Hills District (e-mail)

Rev. Keith Nelson, Sakakawea District (e-mail)

 “I am confident that there are many of you laity within the Conference who are sufficiently gifted and called to consider running for this position.  If you think you might be one of them, please pray and listen for what God might be calling you to do,” said Wilson.

If you have questions about these positions or lay leadership please e-mail Deb Kjerstad, Director of Leadership Development. You may also contact Blaine Wilson, at this e-mail address bwilso11@good-sam.com.