What Is a Lay Leader? Understanding the Role
In the Franciscan tradition, leadership is not about authority or prestige — rather, it is about service, humility, and deep commitment to the Gospel. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s model of servant leadership, lay leaders (non-ordained) play a vital role in faith communities by embodying Gospel values in their daily lives. They nurture fraternity and care for creation, as well as advocate for those on the margins, reflecting the love of Christ through their actions and relationships.
Whether in parish ministry, administration, social justice work, or community service, lay leaders extend the Church’s mission beyond the walls of the sanctuary, putting their faith into practice.
What Is a Lay Leader?
A lay leader is a baptized, non-ordained member of the Church who assumes leadership responsibilities in Church ministry and community life. Their role can take many forms, depending on the tradition, denomination, and specific needs of their faith community. What unites all lay leaders, however, is their call to discipleship and mission. By responding to their baptismal vocation, they actively participate in the Church’s work, bringing the message of Christ into the world through their words and actions.
At its core, lay leadership is rooted in servant leadership — following Christ’s example of humility, love, and service to others. Rather than seeking authority for its own sake, lay leaders embrace leadership as a means of fostering community, accompanying others on their faith journeys, and addressing the needs of the world with compassion and justice. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit, using their unique gifts and talents to build up the Body of Christ, both locally and globally.
In the Franciscan tradition, lay leadership carries a special emphasis on fraternity, humility, and care for creation and the marginalized. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, Franciscan lay leaders seek to create a sense of belonging within their communities, recognizing the dignity of all people and the sacredness of creation. Their leadership is not about hierarchy but about relationality — walking alongside others, fostering peace, and witnessing to the Gospel through their words and actions.
Roles & Responsibilities of Lay Leaders in Church
Lay leaders play a vital role in the life of the Church, ensuring that faith communities reflect Gospel values and remain vibrant, inclusive, and mission-driven. Their responsibilities extend across a wide range of ministries, from parish governance and faith formation to pastoral care and social outreach. While their specific roles may vary depending on the needs of their community, lay leaders share a common commitment to serving others and embodying Christ’s teachings.
Parish Leadership & Administration
Lay leaders often serve on parish councils, committees, and leadership teams, collaborating with clergy in pastoral decision-making and church administration. They assist in organizing parish events, community outreach efforts, and fundraising initiatives to support the Church’s mission. Through mentorship and training, they help develop new volunteers and ministry leaders, ensuring that parish life remains dynamic and sustainable.
Faith Formation & Evangelization
A crucial responsibility of lay leaders is to foster the faith of others through education and evangelization. Many serve as catechists, teaching religious education, sacramental preparation, and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programs. They lead small faith-sharing groups focused on Scripture or Catholic social teaching and mentor youth and young adults in discerning their vocations. They also promote ongoing theological and spiritual education within the parish and community and encourage others to deepen their understanding of the faith.
Lay leaders also engage in evangelization efforts, sharing their faith through personal testimony and parish outreach programs. They organize and lead parish missions, retreats, and other outreach initiatives that extend the Church’s message beyond its walls. Some are involved in fostering intercultural and interfaith dialogue, helping to build bridges between diverse communities.
Liturgical Ministry & Worship
Many lay leaders serve as lectors, extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, and hospitality ministers, ensuring that the liturgy is prayerful and welcoming. Lay leaders assist in planning and coordinating liturgies, retreats, and prayer services, and, in some cases, lead Liturgy of the Word services and contemplative prayer groups when clergy are unavailable.
Social Justice & Outreach
Following the Franciscan call to serve the marginalized, lay leaders take an active role in charitable ministries and volunteer initiatives, such as food banks, homeless outreach, and refugee assistance. They promote environmental stewardship by implementing Laudato Si’ initiatives within their parish communities and engage in peacemaking efforts, including nonviolence training and reconciliation programs.
Pastoral Care & Spiritual Accompaniment
Lay leaders also provide pastoral care for parishioners, collaborating with clergy to offer home visits, hospital ministry, and spiritual support for those experiencing grief, illness, or life transitions. By providing guidance and assistance to individuals and families, they help integrate faith into daily life and ensure that all feel valued and heard within the Church.
In performing these responsibilities, lay leaders have a profound effect on their spiritual community:
- Lay leaders enrich parish life by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, organizing ministries, and encouraging engagement.
- Through personal witness, digital outreach, and small faith groups, lay leaders help spread the Gospel beyond church walls.
- By advocating for justice, serving the vulnerable, and promoting interfaith dialogue, lay leaders extend Christ’s mission into the broader community.
- Through mentorship, faith formation, and spiritual accompaniment, lay leaders cultivate a deeper commitment to Catholic life.
History of Lay Leadership
Lay leadership has been an integral part of the Catholic Church since its earliest days, evolving over the centuries in response to the needs of Christian communities and the movements of the Holy Spirit. From the house churches of the first disciples to the vibrant lay ministries of today, laypeople have played a crucial role in shaping the Church’s mission in the world.
Early Church & Patristic Era (1st–5th Centuries)
In the earliest Christian communities, laypeople were essential in spreading the Gospel, gathering for worship in house churches and supporting missionary efforts. Many served as evangelists, teachers, and organizers, ensuring that the faith took root across diverse geographical locales. During the Patristic era, as the Church faced persecution, lay leaders assisted bishops and clergy in maintaining Christian communities by teaching the faith and providing charitable support to those in need.
Monastic Influence & the Medieval Period (4th–12th Centuries)
As monasticism flourished, laypeople found new ways to live out their faith. Many engaged in spiritual life through Third Orders, confraternities, and pilgrimages, deepening their connection to the Church while remaining active in the world. In the medieval period, lay leadership expanded through guilds, lay preaching movements like the Waldensians, and increased lay involvement in Church administration.
The Franciscan movement, emerging in the 13th century, had a profound impact on lay leadership. St. Francis of Assisi founded the Third Order of St. Francis, enabling laypeople to embrace Gospel-centered lives without entering religious life. This innovation allowed everyday men and women to commit themselves to works of charity, peacemaking, and service while remaining embedded in their families and communities.
Reformation & Counter-Reformation (16th Century)
During the Reformation, lay movements became more structured as the Church sought to strengthen Catholic identity in response to Protestant reforms. The Jesuit-inspired sodalities, for example, encouraged laypeople to take active roles in education, evangelization, and social outreach.
Enlightenment & Modernity (18th–19th Centuries)
In an era of rapid social and political change, the Catholic Action movements emerged, empowering laypeople to engage in social justice, education, and evangelization. These movements encouraged lay leaders to apply their faith to the challenges of modern society, advocating for workers’ rights, economic justice, ethical governance, and other causes.
Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) & the Post-Vatican II Church
A major turning point for lay leadership came with Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, which affirmed the essential role of the laity in the Church. The Council emphasized that all baptized Catholics share in Christ’s mission and are called to holiness, not only within religious life but in their daily vocations.
Since Vatican II, lay leadership has expanded dramatically in pastoral ministry, catechesis, liturgical roles, and social justice initiatives. This growth has been especially important in response to priest shortages, with laypeople stepping into roles of parish administration and spiritual accompaniment.
Lay Leadership vs. Clergy Leadership
While both lay and clergy leaders serve the Church and share in Christ’s mission, their roles and responsibilities are fundamentally different. Together, they form a collaborative and dynamic Church community, each contributing to the flourishing of the Body of Christ.
| Lay Leaders | Clergy Leaders |
| Follow the baptismal call to holiness and mission in the world | Follow a sacramental vocation through ordination to serve the Church |
| Do not administer sacraments but support the sacramental life of the Church | Administer sacraments such as the Eucharist, Baptism, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick |
| Serve in catechesis, evangelization, social justice, and parish administration | Dedicate their lives to pastoral ministry, often taking vows of celibacy and obedience |
| Witness to the Gospel in their families, workplaces, and communities | Provide sacramental ministry, pastoral care, preaching, and governance |
| Work alongside clergy to support the Church’s mission through service and leadership | Guide the spiritual life of the Church through homilies, retreats, formation, etc. |
| Integrate their faith into daily life while fulfilling careers, family responsibilities, and civic duties | Provide pastoral oversight while empowering and forming lay leaders |
Ways to Cultivate & Train Lay Leaders
Developing strong lay leadership is essential for the Church’s mission, ensuring that faith communities remain vibrant and well-supported. Cultivating lay leaders requires clergy members to provide mentorship and opportunities for hands-on experience in ministry.
The Church can cultivate successful lay leaders by:
1. Identifying & Encouraging Potential Leaders
Lay leadership begins with recognizing individuals who demonstrate gifts for service, teaching, and leadership. Encouraging parishioners to take an active role in ministry helps them discern their calling and step into leadership roles with confidence.
2. Providing Theological Education & Spiritual Formation
Workshops, retreats, and educational programs offer lay leaders the theological foundation and spiritual depth needed to serve effectively. Opportunities for Scripture study, independent learning, and participation in lay movements — such as the Secular (Third) Franciscan Order or Catholic Action groups — help nurture their faith and commitment.
3. Offering Mentorship & Hands-On Training
Mentorship is a key part of any kind of leadership development. Pairing emerging lay leaders with experienced lay ministers or clergy allows them to learn through apprenticeship, while training programs focused on pastoral care, catechesis, and ministry leadership ensure that lay leaders are well-prepared for their roles.
4. Integrating Practical Ministry Experience
Involvement in parish ministries, outreach programs, and service projects provides valuable hands-on experience, as does participation in diocesan leadership programs and online college courses with field components.
5. Empowering Lay Leaders in Decision-Making
Lay leaders thrive when they are entrusted with real responsibilities. Including them in parish planning and decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the Church’s mission.
6. Fostering Personal Growth & Community Support
Leadership retreats and regular discussion groups provide lay leaders with ongoing support and spiritual renewal. Training in effective communication, conflict resolution, and servant leadership also enhances their ability to serve.
7. Supporting Work-Life-Ministry Balance
Lay leaders often balance ministry with careers, family life, and other personal commitments. Encouraging flexibility and self-care helps sustain their enthusiasm and dedication without burnout.
Lay leadership is a vital and dynamic part of the Church’s mission and offers countless ways to serve and build faith-filled communities. If you are exploring your own call to lay leadership or looking to build your ministry skills, ongoing formation is essential.
At the Franciscan School of Theology (FST), we offer non-degree programs, continuing education, and personal enrichment opportunities designed to equip lay leaders with the theological foundation and practical skills needed for ministry. For those seeking a more in-depth education, our Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and Master of Arts in Theology (MA) programs provide a deeper understanding of faith and leadership in the Franciscan tradition.
Wherever you are on your journey, FST invites you to grow in your vocation and leadership abilities. Explore our programs and discover how you can serve more fully in the Church and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do lay leaders do in the Church?
Lay leaders serve in a variety of roles that support the Church’s mission and help build vibrant faith communities. They may assist in parish administration, pastoral care, catechesis, evangelization, social justice initiatives, and liturgical ministries. Lay leaders often organize faith formation programs, small groups, retreats, and service projects that engage parishioners and deepen their commitment to the Gospel. While their responsibilities vary depending on the needs of their community, lay leaders work alongside clergy to extend Christ’s presence in the world.
Do lay leaders need formal theological training?
While formal theological training is not always required, it can be highly beneficial for lay leaders who are deeply involved in ministry. Many parishes and dioceses offer workshops, certificate programs, and continuing education courses to equip lay leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for their roles. Institutions like the Franciscan School of Theology offer non-degree options as well as graduate programs for those seeking to deepen their theological understanding and pastoral abilities.
Can lay leaders perform sacraments?
No, lay leaders do not administer sacraments, as this is reserved for ordained clergy (priests and deacons). However, lay leaders support the sacramental life of the Church in many other important ways, such as preparing individuals for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage through catechesis. They may also serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, lead Liturgy of the Word services, and assist in pastoral care, such as bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.
What are some examples of lay leadership in the Franciscan tradition?
Lay leadership has been a key part of the Franciscan tradition since St. Francis of Assisi founded the Third Order of St. Francis (now known as the Secular Franciscan Order), allowing laypeople to live Gospel-centered lives while remaining in the world. Today, lay Franciscans continue to lead in ministries of peace, social justice, ecology, and service to the marginalized. Examples of Franciscan lay leadership include:
- Secular Franciscans living out Franciscan spirituality in daily life through prayer, service, and advocacy
- Parish and diocesan leaders working in faith formation, pastoral ministry, and administration
- Environmental stewards promoting Laudato Si’ initiatives that integrate faith and care for creation
- Social justice advocates serving in homeless outreach, refugee assistance, and peacemaking efforts
Lay Franciscans and other lay leaders embody the Franciscan values of humility, fraternity, and care for creation, bringing the spirit of St. Francis into contemporary ministry.
