If I’m an Official Worker, is my spouse an Official Delegate, a Lay Delegate, or a Corresponding Delegate? What’s the difference? How many lay people can attend from our church as Lay Delegates? These are some of the most common inquiries that we field every two years regarding District Conference. The following guide will attempt to address these questions.
Official Delegates
All official workers are automatically accredited delegates to District Conference. Official workers have full voting rights and need no special certificate. Simply complete the online registration.
Lay Delegates
Each accredited church with less than 150 active members can send two lay delegates to District Conference. These lay delegates must be active members of the church. Each delegate needs to be approved by the Governing Authority and the decision properly noted in the minutes of the Governance Authority. Additionally, there is a Lay Delegate Certificate that must be completed and signed by the Secretary of the Governance Authority and returned to the District Office.
If a church has more than 150 active members, they may send one additional active member as a lay delegate per each addition 100 active members or fraction thereof.
If a church is not accredited and doesn’t have a Governance Authority, the District Superintendent can authorize lay delegates. Online registration is also required.
Corresponding Delegates
Corresponding Delegates are recognized attendees to District Conference, but do not have voting privileges. Online registration is required.
Spouses of Official Workers
A spouse of an Official Worker can attend either as a Lay Delegate or a Corresponding Delegate. The difference simply lies in whether or not the church Governance Authority wishes to send them as a Lay Delegate.
Additional Information
- Everyone attending District Conference must register online.
- All Lay Delegate Certificates must be sent into the District Office.
- Attendance by Official Workers is required unless excused by the District Superintendent.