At First Chuch, the administration of the various ministries of the church are organized and managed by non-ordained (lay) members of the congregation.  The leaders of these groups and committees meet together monthly with pastoral and administrative staff in order to coordinate and vote on important issues, expenditures, and strategies regarding the direction of First Church (as-per the rules of the national United Methodist Church organization).

Lay leaders have always played an important role in the life of the Methodist Church, recognizing that gifts of leadership and administration bestowed by the Holy Spirit are not confined to ordained ministers. While to some extent this system arose out of the practical needs of the early Methodist societies where the numbers of ordained ministers were limited, John Wesley recognised the office as a means of encouraging people in their Christian calling and a ready witness to the priesthood of all believers.

At First Church, the members of the lay leadership team are selected from a number of different methods depending upon the ministry/committee/group, including election by the congregation, election within a committee, selection by an elected nominating committee, depending on the rules of the United Methodist national organization.