Lay Academy

Wisconsin Conference UCC

Wisconsin Conference

United Church of Christ

Lay Academy

“The Lay Academy programs offer an excellent opportunity for individuals or small groups to grow and strengthen faith in a diverse community of believers.

We had four people from our church attend together, using it as an opportunity to evaluate and energize the leadership practices of our congregation. It’s wonderful to see people stepping up and stepping out in faith.” -Laura Crow, Director of Educational Ministries, Middleton Community UCC

Course Description

Course Requirements

Cost

Location

Commissioning and Licensing

ApplicationS* Currently accepting for Faith Foundations and Lay Leadership Skills. They are starting in September 2008. Application deadline is June 30, 2008.

Lay Ministry Skills

EDUCATION Ministry

How to Apply

Schedule of Class Dates

Lay Academy Comments - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 -5 - 6
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What is the Lay Academy?

The Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ is pleased to host a Lay Academy program, offering 5 different courses of study to pastors and lay people who seek to:

· deepen faith,

· strengthen Christ’s church,

· and grow in spiritual maturity.

Faith Foundations
This two year course of study will introduce a wide range of topics pertaining to Christian faith and the church. No prior education or experience is necessary, only a willingness to explore together in community.

Lay Leadership Skills

This one-year course of study focuses on preparing members to be leaders in their local church setting by engaging five specific ministry topics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the context of your local church and community; then applying the weekend topics to your setting through skill building and drafting ideas for possible implementation.

Lay Ministry Skills

This one-year course of study focuses on five specific ministry skills for leadership in a local church. Participants will explore, prepare, present and evaluate in community; drawing upon personal gifts and talents to complete assignments. Discussion of discernment for ministry will be included.

Education Ministry

This one-year course of study is for educators, pastors, volunteers, directors and others who wish to sustain and build the education ministries in their church. We will explore the scope of the teaching ministry and current dramatic shifts which impact our efforts to strengthen our skills for meeting the challenges of this important ministry.

Youth/Young Adult Ministry

This one-year course of study will help pastors, directors and volunteers explore the unique qualities of youth and young adults and the most helpful strategies for developing ministry for and with them.

"I was looking for a meaningful, useful, spiritual way to serve the world, my circle of family/friends and thus, myself. This course far surpassed what I expected to learn and I have, I believe, found the path that is uniquely mine to travel."

Each course meets five weekends per year at the Wisconsin Conference Center in De Forest. The weekend sessions meet from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Lodging is provided at a nearby hotel.

Courses are taught by seminary professors, Conference staff and clergy with expertise in a given area. Additional requirements are designed to enhance learning.

"Rather than sending one person, our church recruited 5 people to attend Lay Academy together. It was a profound experience for each of them; as individuals and as a group. Their conversations in the car, coming and going, became an important part of the process. It was wonderful to see them grow spiritually and intellectually and to watch them share the experience."

Cost

The cost for each year is $400. This includes instruction, double room lodging and lunch. Private rooms can be requested for an additional $150 per year. Commuters can enroll for $250 (no lodging is included).

Participants are responsible for transportation and the purchase of books chosen by the instructor for each session. The average cost of books is $20.00.

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Where is the course held?

The classes will be held at the Wisconsin Conference Center, 4459 Gray Road in De Forest, beginning on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and concluding on Saturday by 4:00 p.m.

The Lay Academy challenged me to explore my faith in new ways and to consider, perhaps for the first time, that a lay person can be called to ministry. It also helped me to establish relationships with Christians across the state. This extended faith community is an important part of my journey as I listen to and seek to understand God's call.""

What are the course requirements?
Students are required to:
*Attend 5 weekend sessions per year for two years
(you may miss one session per year and still receive your certificate)
*Read an assigned book prior to each session;
*Write a two page reflection paper following each session;
*Meet regularly with your pastor to discuss class work;
*Attend one additional church sponsored event per year and write a reflection paper.

"The Lay Academy makes preparation for commissioned or licensed ministry manageable and affordable, especially if one needs to continue their present employment. However, anyone who wishes to explore and deepen their faith will benefit from these inspiring classes. The Wisconsin Conference has demonstrated that it truly believes in the 'priesthood of all believers.'"

How do I apply?

To apply for Lay Academy, complete an application and submit it to:

               Wisconsin Conference Lay Academy Program
               P. O. Box 435
               Deforest WI 53532-0435

Please mark which class you are applying for. A $50 deposit is required upon application.

If you have questions, please contact:

Rev. Gail O’Neal : 608-846-7880 or goneal@wcucc.org

Carol Martell : 608-846-7880 or cmartell@wcucc.org

Application * Currently accepting for Faith Foundations and Lay Leadership Skills. These sessions will begin in September 2008. The registration deadline is June 30, 2008.

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Lay Academy - Faith Foundations
Schedule - 2008-2009


	September 12-13, 2008	Orientation; How to Think Theologically
	November 7-8, 2008	Systematic Theology
	January 23-24, 2009	Biblical Studies: Old Testament
	March 6-7, 2009	Care giving in the Church
	April 24 - 25, 2008	Stewardship and Evangelism
	September 18 - 19, 2009	Christian Nurture
	November 6-7, 2009	Church History/UCC Polity
	January 22-23, 2010	New Testament
	March 12 - 13, 2010	Ethics
	April 30 - May 1, 2010	Worship and Sacraments

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Commissioning and Licensing

Participation in Lay Academy will prepare laity for church leadership. Completion of this course of study does not guarantee commissioned or licensed status or employment. Those seeking such authorization must consult with the Church and Ministry Division of their Association for other requirements.

Lay Academy - Lay Leadership Skills

This one year course of study focuses on preparing members to be leaders in their local church setting by engaging five specific ministry topics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the context of your local church and community; then applying the weekend topics to your setting through skill building and drafting ideas for possible implementation.

Lay Leadership Skills is a one year program.

Application * Currently accepting for Faith Foundations and Lay Leadership Skills. These sessions will begin in September 2008. The registration deadline is June 30, 2008.

Schedule: 2008-2009

September 12-13, 2008	Transformative Leadership
November 7-8, 2008	Ministry
January 23-24, 2009	Mission
March 6-7, 2009	Evangelism
April 24 - 25, 2009	Stewardship

"People are what make the Lay Academy. People make it happen. The speakers are passionate about their subjects. And together, we share ideas, concepts, joys, concerns, food, stories, laughter, tears and the feeling of God's love. The Lay Academy is a beginning ... of spiritual growth ... of new insights and joys ... a new direction of study ... a new way to help our local church. And for some of us, it is a beginning of greater service to the Lord. To fully grasp this feeling, come join us!"

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Lay Academy - Lay Ministry Skills

This one- year course of study focuses on five specific ministry skills for leadership in a local church. Participants will explore, prepare, present and evaluate in community; drawing upon personal gifts and talents to complete assignments. Discussion of discernment for ministry will be included.

Those seeking authorized ministry can begin to make contact with Association Divisions on Church and Ministry about additional requirements. Where appropriate, a mentoring/intership placement will be considered.

*Applications will be accepted starting in 2009.

The 2009 - 2010 Lay Ministry Skills Schedule is:

September 18-19, 2009	Teaching
November 6-7, 2009	Preaching
January 22 -23, 2010	Pastoral Care
March 12 - 13, 2010	Worship
April 30 - May 1, 2010	Administration

Completion of Lay Ministry Skills does not guarantee licensing, commissioning or placement. If you are interested in those possibilities, please be in touch with your Association Minister and/or the Division of Church and Ministry for your Association.

Education Ministry

This one-year course of study is for educators, pastors, volunteers, directors and others who wish to sustain and build the education ministries in their church. We will explore the scope of the teaching ministry and current dramatic shifts which impact our efforts to strengthen our skills for meeting the challenges of this important ministry.

If you have questions, please contact:

Rev. Gail O’Neal: 608-846-7880 or goneal@wcucc.org

Carol Martell 608-846-7880 or cmartell@wcucc.org

Wisconsin Conference UCC 4459 Gray Rd. De Forest WI 53532 608-846-7880
Webmaster: thauge@wcucc.org