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 SPRING 2026:
Spiritual Development
Start Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
When: Tuesday evenings, (7-9 PM)
Where: Online only
Instructor: Pastor Joan Dewing, [email protected]
The course: Spiritual Development is the process of growing in our faith and practice and is fundamental to Christian leadership. Through journals, sharing of experiences, and the writing of a paper, the student will learn of many factors involved in the development of his/her spiritual life.
The Textbooks:
Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster, any edition (not the Study guide alone)
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, November 2015 ed.
Invitation to a Journey, M. Robert Mulholland, Jr., April 2016 ed.
Bio: Pastor Joan Dewing is a member of Walton FBC in Walton, NY, part of the Fransego Assoc. of ABC-NYS. She has a degree in Christian Education and Biblical Studies from Houghton College, Houghton, NY, and a master’s degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan, having studied with Richard and Nathan Foster as well as others well-versed in the practice of Christian Spiritual disciplines and formation. Joan is a certified Spiritual Director through the Horizon’s program at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse, NY, and is part-time pastor of the South Kortright Community Church, South Kortright, NY.
Ministry Through the Small Church
Start Date: Wednesday,April 8, 2026
When: Wednesday evenings, 7-9 PM
Where: Online only
Instructor: Rev. Steve Reynolds, [email protected]
The Course: This course is designed to familiarize students with the unique opportunities and challenges of ministry in the small church. The course will guide the student through the theological, relational, and organizational aspects of small church ministry, providing the tools necessary to carry out the tasks unique to the small church.
The Textbooks:
Indispensable Guide for Smaller Churches by David Ray. Pilgrim Press,
ISBN 978-0829815078
Bio: Rev. J. Steven Reynolds has served as an ordained pastor in the American Baptist Churches for over 40 years and has had a wide variety of experiences in a number of church contexts. Rev. Reynolds currently attends Memorial Park Baptist Church in Vestal, NY and has served as a church moderator as well as a number of other church responsibilities. He also preaches at a number of churches doing pulpit supply when a pastor is not available.
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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.