ABCNYS LAY STUDY PROGRAM
The purpose of the Lay Study Program of American Baptist Churches of New York State is two-fold. It offers 14 online courses giving an opportunity for:
The purpose of the Lay Study Program of American Baptist Churches of New York State is two-fold. It offers 14 online courses giving an opportunity for:
- Personal Growth and Enrichment -- Anyone is welcome to take one, a few, or all courses offered.
- Leadership Development – Courses help people to prepare for leadership in the local church, including as a Certified Lay Pastor.
For an overview of the 14 Lay Study Program courses, please click on Courses Offered
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For an overview of the Church Leadership Certificate Program, please click on Church Leadership:
For an overview of the Certified Lay Pastor Program, please click on Lay Pastor:
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THE PLANNED 2026 LAY STUDY COURSES ARE ANNOUNCED! Download this brochure and share with potential students! --------------->
| 2026_lay_study_program_courses.pdf |
ABCNYS LAY STUDY PROGRAM COURSES FALL 2026:
#1: Introduction to the New Testament
Start Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
When: Tuesday evenings (7-9 PM)
Where: Online only
Instructor: Pastor Howard Maxson, [email protected]
The Course:
This course is designed to introduce the student to the historical and cultural context of the New Testament, the concepts of scriptural inspiration and canon, the types and characteristics of the literary genre and corresponding methods of interpretation of the books of the New Testament, the purposes for writing the various books of the New Testament, the theories of authorship of each of the books of the New Testament. And the major themes of the books of the New Testament.
The Textbooks:
Required: Encountering the New Testament, 3rd Edition A Historical and Theological Survey, 4th Edition, by Walter A. Elwell, Robert W. Yarbrough (ISBN # 9781540964168)
Optional:
A Harmony of the Gospels For Students of the Life Of Christ, by A. T. Robertson
Principles of Biblical Interpretation, by Louis Berkhof (Look for a used copy)
For Scripture: a good student Bible. Bible Hub, Bible Gateway
Bio: The instructor for this course is Pastor Howard (Howie) Maxson, Fowler Baptist Church, Gouverneur, NY, since 2011. 1980 Graduate of Baptist Bible Institute (now The Baptist College of Florida), B.Min in Biblical Studies.
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#2: Preaching *course will be limited to 8 persons*
Start Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
When: Thursday evenings, 7-9 PM
Where: Online only
Instructor: Ken McKenzie, [email protected]
The Course: This course is designed for lay people who are beginning to preach or considering preaching in a church setting. The course will cover the basic elements of hearing God’s word, communicating that word to listeners in an authentic manner, and in a way that is faithful to the text while connecting to human experience.
The Textbooks:
Required:
A Lay Preacher’s Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon by Karoline M. Lewis, (Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN, 2020) ISBN: 9781506462738
Optional:
Although not required, portions of the following books are used in discussion and in class presentations:
Preaching, 25th Anniversary Edition by Fred Craddock (Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, 2010) ISBN: 9780687659944
The Witness of Preaching by Thomas Long, 3rd Edition (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, KY, 2016) ISBN: 9780664261429
Bio: Ken is the recently retired pastor of the Federated Church in West Winfield, NY. Since retiring, he has taken on the call of Transitional Minister for a congregation within the ABC Central Region. Ken and his family currently reside in Independence, Missouri.
*Please note: There is a registration deadline of one week before the start of all courses. Any student who registers after the deadline will not be guaranteed a place in the course.*
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HOW TO REGISTER FOR EACH COURSE:
To Register: Complete registration online or complete the registration form and postal mail with payment (payable to ABCNYS) to ABCNYS, 3218 James St., Syracuse NY 13206
Questions: Rev. Leon Oaks-Lee, Dean of Lay Study Program, (315.637.0023, [email protected])
Fees: The tuition is $110 per course. For family members living in the same house, the course fee is $110 for the first person and $60 for each subsequent person. Students may audit the course, without credit, for $60. The cost of the textbooks for each course is in addition to the tuition.
We invite you to deepen your understanding and engage with these enriching subjects. Don’t miss out register today!
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To Register by POSTAL MAIL, download the registration form here.
Complete and mail with check for registration fee ($110 credit, $60 audit) to:
ABCNYS Lay Study Program
3218 James St.
Syracuse NY 13206
OR
Scroll down to pay online.
Complete and mail with check for registration fee ($110 credit, $60 audit) to:
ABCNYS Lay Study Program
3218 James St.
Syracuse NY 13206
OR
Scroll down to pay online.
To Register ONLINE: Complete the process below, and please remember to distinguish if you are taking the course for credit or audit.