The Commission for Educational Ministries is considering initiating a lay academy for pastors and lay leaders in our local congregations. The Lay Academy would explore ones faith as a lay leader in the congregation and create opportunities for resourcing and networking in a community setting.

This one year course of study would focus on supporting members to be leaders in their local church setting by engaging in five specific ministry topics. The topics would include:  faith formation, stewardship, transformative leadership, mission and justice ministry and evangelism. Courses would feature instruction, class discussion, reading assignments, reflection papers and sharing experiences with one’s home church. Topics would be taught by Conference staff and clergy and lay leaders with expertise in a given area. At the end of the one year course, a certificate would be presented. 

Would you consider participating in such a lay academy? How would this academy experience strengthen your congregation? How might this experience support a discernment of call and vocation for lay leaders in congregations?  Please "Post a Comment" below to respond!