In the context of church governance, what does “laity” refer to?

In the context of church governance, “laity” specifically refers to regular members of the church who are not clergy or ordained ministers. The term comes from the Greek word "laikos," which means "of the people." Laity play a vital role in the life and activities of the church, contributing through participation in worship, ministry, and outreach, but they do not hold an official ecclesiastical position that involves ordination or ministerial duties. This non-ordained status emphasizes their important role as laypersons who support the church's mission and engage in community life.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the structure and function of different roles within a church community. For example, ordained ministers are designated individuals who have been formally recognized and authorized to perform certain sacramental and clerical duties, while church leaders typically include both ordained and laypersons who guide and oversee church activities, decisions, and direction. Board members may encompass both laity and clergy, reflecting a broader governance structure within the church. Recognizing the specific definition of the laity helps clarify their contributions in contrast to those of ordained leaders and staff.