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 Lay Study Program, please click on Overview:
For an overview of the 14 Lay Study Program courses, please click on Courses Offered
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:
ABCNYS LAY STUDY PROGRAM COURSES SPRING 2024 MINISTRY THROUGH THE SMALL CHURCH – STARTING APRI 3, 2024 When: Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Online via Zoom. Instructor: Rev. Steve Reynolds has served as a pastor within the American Baptist Churches for over 32 years and is currently a certified church consultant specializing in working with small churches. He received his MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1981. He is married and has two grown daughters, along with several grandchildren. consultingpastor@gmail.com Textbook: Indispensable Guide for Smaller Churches by David Ray. Pilgrim Press. 2003. WORSHIP – STARTING APRIL 1, 2024 When: Monday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pm. - Online via Zoom. (April 1st through June 17, no class on April 22 or May 27) Instructor: Loueda (Lou) Bleiler has served in various worship settings including American Baptist, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches. She is the Minister of Music for the Odessa Baptist Church in Odessa, NY. As a music educator, she has taught at every level from pre-school through college. In 2023 she completed the Liberty University Doctor of Worship Studies program and is pleased to be sharing that experience with students in this course. lbbleiler@gmail.com Textbook: The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services by Constance Cherry. 2nd edition. (2021. Baker Academic.) Check out all of the courses being offered in 2024: