J. Richard Bass School of the Laity

 

In the fall of 1988, ten laypeople of Savannah Presbytery became the first graduating class of an innovative presbytery ministry know as the School of the Laity. A very demanding program of study requiring a two-year commitment and additional hours of class and preparation time, the School of the Laity was a vision of then Executive Presbyter Dr. J. Richard Bass, who saw the desire of laypersons to engage in serious study of scripture, theology, and ministry. As evidence of their serious intent, students pay tuition fees and provide for their own transportation costs, while the presbytery pays the leadership, lodging and meal cost.

 

The students participate in three summer courses taught by seminary and college professors. Each session involves eighteen hours of class time and additional hours of personal study. The courses are: Introduction to the Bible, Introduction to Reformed Theology, and Introduction to Ministry.

 

Students complete briefer courses in the spring and fall of two successive years. Savannah Presbytery ministers and laypersons lead these studies on such subjects as Christian Ethics, History, Mission and Polity, Old Testament, and New Testament.

 

To date over 250 laypeople have participated in the School of the Laity, representing two-thirds of the churches of the presbytery. Its graduates are providing outstanding leadership in their congregations, the presbytery and the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

 

Click here for a copy of the School of the Laity Brochure