Visit www.ngagmc.org to register
The North Georgia Conference Lay Empowerment Institute offers a unique and exciting program for laity!
The Institute (LEI) is designed to equip, educate, resource, and inspire laity to become
involved to strengthen the local church and partner with clergy to build relationships
throughout the conference and around the world as the Global Methodist Church
(GMC). Each church, regardless of size, is encouraged to have a minimum of one lay
person in the upcoming series. No prior experience is required, but a desire to learn and
become connected is very important. Through knowledge attained in the workshops,
the participant will gain a greater understanding of our North Georgia Conference and
how we are in ministry together. This is an opportunity for spiritual growth as well as
connecting with the lay and clergy faculty of LEI and the resources available to the local
church.
2026 SERIES REGISTRATION FEE: $75.00
(This fee includes the series workbook, all handouts, lunches and snacks and is to be paid at the time of registration on the website by credit card)
All In-Person Workshops are held at
Norcross 1st GMC, 2500 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA 30071.
SAVE THE WORKSHOP DATES! TWO-DAY SPECIAL EVENT!
This workshop is a first-time experience and includes dinner served at 5 p.m. followed
by this Two-Day SPECIAL WORKSHOP
Friday, March 20 ~ In Person ~ 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Presenters:
Rev. Andy Postell, NGA Conference Superintendent
NGA Bishop John Pena Auta, Special Guest Experiences of Life in the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (his home country) and Throughout the World
2026 NGA Conference Vision
Saturday, March 21 ~ In Person ~ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presenter: Rev. Dr. John Beyers, Senior Pastor, Wesley Methodist Church of
LaGrange
The History of Methodism and the Birth and Growth of the Global Methodist Church
We offer the option of overnight accommodations at special pricing through a room
block at a hotel in the area. Lodging cost would be in addition to the registration fee
For more information about lodging, check “Yes” on the registration form
Saturday, April 18 ~ In Person ~ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presenters: TBA on upcoming website posts. *See Curriculum listing below
Saturday, May 16 ~ In Person ~ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Jeff Coleman:
GMC Theology and Doctrine
ZOOM WORKSHOPS ~ 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Presenters: TBA on upcoming LEI website posts. *See Curriculum list below.
Saturday, August 22
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, October 3
Saturday, October 24
Saturday, November 7 ~ In person ~ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presenters: Rev. Andy Postell, Conference Superintendent; Rev. Dr. John
Beyers, Sr. Pastor- Wesley GMC, LaGrange; Rev. Richard Chewning, Retired GMC
Elder; Rev. Tom Atkins, Retired Elder and Conference Evangelist; Bobby Carmichael,
Conference Chair, Finance & Administrative; Susan Young, Conference Director,
Answering God’s Call; Kin McKinnon, Conference Director, Certified Lay Ministry.
*Curriculum: Presentations include a history of our Wesleyan heritage and the
formation of the Global Methodist Church, local church best practices, Wesley
Discipleship Bands, GMC theology and doctrine and why it matters, church
effectiveness and church planting, NGA Appointive Process/Board of Ministry, church
security, effective lay witnessing, prayer and building a prayer team, Nigerian mission
initiative, mission opportunities for the local church, GMC Catechism, campus ministries
in NGA GMC, congregational care, local church committees ~ their function and
process, and other valuable resources for the local church (SPR/Budget/Church
Finances/Admin Board, etc.)
FAQ & GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPANTS:
Attendance: The Institute Series is focused on the local church as the primary
building block of discipleship in the GMC. Our goal is to equip the participants with
knowledge to be informed laity in the local church and beyond as an important
component of lay/clergy partnership. Each workshop is important in order to complete
this learning experience. Participants must understand that attendance at all
workshops is essential as we are intentional about creating times for connectional team
building across the conference and within the districts (connectional groups), as well as
getting to know other GMC members in conference leadership positions, both lay and
clergy. This makes being present, or making up the missed workshop, a key
component and requirement for each participant in order to earn the LEI diploma and
pin that is presented at Annual Conference; therefore, reserve the dates and times on
your calendar when you register.
In the event of an emergency preventing attendance and an excused absence,
the participant can make up a workshop in the following manner:
* For In-person workshops: Participant attends the workshop offered in
next series and graduates with the class at annual conference. Exception ~ the final
November workshop requires attendance with your class. otherwise participant is
required to attend the final session of next year’s class and graduates with the next
year’s class.
*For ZOOM workshops: The session will be recorded and the participant
may request to review the recorded workshop and submit a one-page written report
about the subjects covered in the workshop, then report is sent to the Director of LEI
within 2 weeks after the session. This allows participant to graduate with the class at
Annual Conference.
Attire: Business Casual
How to Become a Participant: You may self-nominate by completing the registration
form and pay the registration of $75. It is suggested that you speak with your pastor
and contact your Connectional Lay-Leader to alert leadership of your
participation. Class size is limited, so act now to reserve your place in the class.
To register for the 2026 Class, click here to complete the registration form and pay
the registration fee by credit card.
We look forward to having you as a member of the 2026 Lay Empowerment Institute
Class and welcome you to this special opportunity.
If you have questions, contact:
Jane Finley, Conference Chair, Lay Empowerment Team/Director, LEI. (mjfarms100@aol.com)