What term describes the regular church members?

The term that best describes regular church members is "laity." This refers to the members of a religious community who are not part of the clergy or ordained leadership. Laity typically participates in church activities, worship, and community life, but does not hold a formal position of authority or leadership within the church hierarchy.

In contrast, the term "congregation" refers more broadly to a group of people gathered for worship or religious purposes, which may include both clergy and lay members. "Clergy" specifically designates those who are ordained or hold specific religious leadership roles, such as priests or ministers. "Ministry" describes the work or vocation carried out by clergy and laypeople in service to their religious community. Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for accurately describing the roles and statuses within a church setting.