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 2012-2014

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.
Schedule for 2012-2014

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.

What does it cost?
Fees includes 1 year cost of instruction, books and course materials, five nights double room lodging, and meals, unless otherwise specified.

Wisconsin residents:
$550 shared room
$650 private room  
$400 commuter (no hotel room)

Out of state residents:
$600 shared room
$700 private room
$450 commuter (no hotel room)

What are the course requirements?
Participants are expected to:

Attend 5 weekend sessions per year for two years (you may miss one session per year and still receive your certificate) Complete reading assignment 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

 Lay Academy Schedule and Instructors

Fall 2013-Spring 2014

Faith Foundations - Year 2

September 20-21, 2013 - Nurturing Christian Growth - Dr. Marion Plant

*Friday Nov. 8, 2013 - Discernment Day - Dr. Martha Baumer

(optional workshop - fee & separate registration)

Nov. 8-9, 2013 - Church History / UCC Polity - Dr. Martha Baumer

March 7-8, 2014 - Ethics - Rev. James Gorman

April 25-26, 2014 - Worship, Sacraments and Preaching - Rev. Kate Winters 

To participate in Faith Foundations Year 2, participants must have completed Year 1.   Participants can register on the Conference website.

Lay Ministry Skills - Year 4

Sept. 20-21, 2013 - The Teaching Ministry - Dr. Thom Bauer

*Friday, Nov.8, 2013 - Discernment Day Dr. Martha Bauer

        (optional workshop - fee & separate registration)

Nov. 8-9, 2013  - Administration - Rev. Melinda Feller

Jan. 10-11, 2014  - Preaching - Dr. Mark Yurs

March 7-8, 2014 - Pastoral Care  - Rev. Stephen Russell

April 25-26, 2014  - Worship - Rev. Carol DiBiasio-Synder