Lay leader

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A lay leader is a member of the laity in a Christian congregation who has been chosen as a church leader. Since lay leadership is not an ordained clerical office, the lay leader's responsibilities vary according to the particular Christian tradition to which he or she beongs. Some organizations do not allow the lay leader to give sacraments, but do allow them to perform most other portions of the service that are normally the resposibility of the clergy (e.g. giving sermons when the regular clergy are on vacation). The Assemblies of God official position paper on Ordination states, "When necessary, the laity can perform all of the functions of ministry except those for which the State requires an ordained minister."

A lay leader is one in a Christian congregation, other than the professional paid minister, who volunteers to lead a ministry.

In some churches, special lay leaders are called deacons.