The role and significance of lay believers for the Church life has always been of great importance. Likewise, the association and gathering of lay believers in church movements is not a novelity, yet it existed since the earliest Christian times. A major turning point in the lives of lay believers occurs after the Second Vatican Council. By the Second Vatican Council, all the believers are equal and, by the sacrament of baptism, are obliged to carry out their apostolate. The first part of the thesis discusses lay believers in general and gives a clear definition of the term "layman", as well as an overview of the position of lay believers throughout history. In addition, their role and the performance of their royal, prophetic and priestly ministry are discussed. The second part of the thesis points to what exactly are church movements, and what is their role, as well as their basic features, structure and weaknesses. The third and most important part of the thesis discusses the role of lay believers in church movements. The role of lay believers in church movements is of great importance, which can be seen in the very founding of the movement, where they are one of the main driving factors. Likewise, their role within the movement is manifested in the performance of the ministry of proclamation and witness, where together with the priests, they are making the Church present and active. The lay believers and their role within the Church movements must not be underestimated or belittled because they, both in history and today, constitute a very important element in the Church life.