by Alfred White, North Central District Lay Leader
from The NTC Connection

As United Methodists, we endeavor,
and are privileged, to “make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the
world.”

As laity in various
stages of faith journeys,
we need unwavering
leadership to take
full advantage of the
opportunities to “walk in
the way that leads to life.”

In the North Texas Conference, United
Methodists are privileged to have Bishop Michael McKee as spiritual leader.

In late February and early March, your
NTC Board of Laity, made up primarily of
district lay leaders, will present Laity Day
With Bishop McKee, a meeting in each district
to give members a chance to get to know the
bishop.

At these sessions, the laity will hear a
State of the Conference speech, focusing
on initiatives that are important to United
Methodists in North Texas in the embracing of
the Gospel witness. Among the topics:

Advancing Clergywomen’s Leadership,
focusing on how churches can embrace the
gifts and graces of women in ministry;

Clergy effectiveness and the role of
laity in supporting the spiritual and pastoral
effectiveness of the clergy in the North Texas
Conference.

Challenges and opportunities we are
now facing in the NTC.

The bishop, who is extremely affable, also
will take questions and listen to participants
about the direction of ministry.

In the past, there was one conference-wide
Laity Day With the Bishop, which required
many laity to travel substantial distances to
attend. This year, each district will host its own
Laity Day With the Bishop to make it more
convenient for members to attend.