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 WINTER 2026:
Worship
Start Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
When: Monday evenings, (7-9 PM)
Where: Online only
Instructor: Dr. Lou Bleiler, [email protected]
The course: This course is designed to serve as an introduction to corporate Christian worship. In it the student will be exposed to a variety of worship styles both within and outside the American Baptist Tradition. The student will also become acquainted with a variety of theological approaches to worship and worship design.
The Textbook: The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services, 2nd edition, by Constance M. Cherry (Baker Academic, 2021). ISBN# 9781540963888.
Bio: Dr. Lou Bleiler serves as Minister of Music at the Odessa Baptist Church in Odessa, NY.
Church Administration
Start Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
When: Wednesday evenings, 7-9 PM
Where: Online only
Instructor: Rev. Steve Reynolds, [email protected]
The Course: This course is designed as an introduction to the basic functions of Christian leadership and oversight of the organizational aspects of an American Baptist church. The course will be divided into two main sections: 1) An overview of leadership development in an American Baptist context, 2) The everyday “nuts and bolts” of leading a church, in which a variety of tasks of administration will be explored.
The Textbooks:
Church Administration Handbook (Third Edition) by Bruce Powers, B & H Academic. ISBN:978-0805444902.
Church Administration & Finance Manual (Second Edition) by Otto Crumroy, Stan Kukawka, & Frank Witman, Church Publishing ISBN: 978-1640655645
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.
Baptist Heritage
Start Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
When: Thursday evenings, (7-9 PM)
Where: Online only
Instructor: Rev. Suzi Harriff, [email protected]
The course: This course is designed to introduce the student to Baptist History: Beginnings, development, and key leaders, traditional Baptist practices of local church life, organization, and structure. The course will also explore American Baptist Characteristics: the principles that identify us in the context of the larger Church, and the origins and development of American Baptist denominational life and structure.
The Textbooks (required):
Leonard, Bill J. Baptist Ways: A History. (Judson Press, 2003). ISBN # 9780817012311.
Shurden, Walter B. The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms. (Smyth & Helwys, 1995). ISBN # 188083720X
Bio: Rev. Suzi Harriff serves as Pastor of Mission Hope Community, an American Baptist congregation in Camillus, New York.
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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.