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, 
                                                      * grow in spiritual maturity.

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.

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.
Schedule for 2010-2012

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.
Schedule for 2010-2011

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.
Schedule for 2011-2012

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 Ministry Leadership
This one-year course of study will help pastors, directors and volunteers explore the unique qualities of youth and the most helpful strategies for developing ministry for and with them.
Schedule for 2009

What does it 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.  

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.