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
|
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 FALL 2023
BASIC CHRISTIAN BELIEFS – STARTING SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
This course is designed to help students explore and develop their Christian beliefs based on the reading and understanding of Scripture, comprehensive study, and interaction with others. Topics to be studied are the nature of scripture and revelation, God, creation, humanity, salvation, the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and the church.
When: Monday evenings, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Online via Zoom
Instructor: Rev. Greg Staples has more than 20 years of ministerial experience with the ABCUSA. Greg received his M.Div. from Andover Newton in 2002 and was ordained in January 2003. He served three churches in Massachusetts in senior pastorate roles. Greg and his family moved to Upstate New York in 2016 where he and his wife Damaris co-pastor Clifton Park Center Baptist Church in Clifton Park, NY. Greg is also a per-diem chaplain at Ellis Medical in Schenectady. Greg and Damaris have three kids: Jessica (20), Nathan (16) and Samuel (9). The family enjoys camping, boating, and travel. pastorgreg@cliftonparkcenterbaptist.org
Suggested Resources:
A Bible in which you feel comfortable writing notes
A Little Book for New Theologians by Kelly A. Kapic (Inter Varsity Press, 2012) ISBN: 978-0-8308-3975-9 For Online Scripture References: Bible Hub, Bible Gateway
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION – STARTING SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
When: Wednesday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. – 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
Suggested Resources: Church Administration Handbook, 3rd Ed.: Revised and Updated by Bruce Powers. Academic Books, 2008.
____________________________________________________________
What Does Each Course Cost?
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 a course, without credit, for $60. The cost of the textbooks for each course is in addition to the tuition.
How Do I Register for a Course?
Registration must be done for each course and can be done by postal mail or online.
To Register by Postal Mail: Download and print registration form below (click on Registration) and mail with payment. Checks should be made payable to "ABCNYS" (memo: Lay Study Registration) and mailed to ABCNYS, 3218 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206.
T
To Register Online: Complete the process below, and please remember to distinguish if you are taking the course for credit or audit.