Cost:  $15.00 which includes lunch and snacks 

The Academy will consist of five courses. Please select 1 when registering: Register Today!

Course Descriptions

Called to Preach

This class will be taught by D.S. Beth Givens.  She will share with participants the skills needed to equip laity and clergy as they share God's Word from the pulpit.  It will provide training in sermon preparation, delivery, and the understanding of the role of preaching within worship. This class is required if you wish to become a Certified Lay Minister and a great tool for those who are asked to preach in your church when your pastor is away. (Book needed for class From Pew to Pulpit, A Beginners Guide to Preaching by Clifton F. Guthrie)

LSM Basic Course

This class will be taught by Jim Grander, a Certified Lay Minister.  This course is fundamental for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries.  Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship. (Book needed for class Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course by Sandy Jackson and Brian Jackson)

Fresh Expressions

This class will be taught by Rev. Andrew Ware.  This course will share ideas your church may use to cultivate new forms of church alongside what your church is presently doing in order that your congregation may reach people who are not yet members of any church.  (Resources provided by instructor)

United Methodist Heritage

This class will be co-taught by Lay Pastor Gail Von Mosch and Desiree Flora.  If you are new to the Methodist church, enjoy learning about our rich history, or wish to become a Certified Lay Minister, this course is perfect for you.  We will explore the history, heritage, beliefs, mission and culture of the United Methodist church.  Learners will explore the special gifts of theology and witness that the Wesleyan tradition brings to the Church universal, how the UM denomination arrived where it is today and how these distinctive emphases are still needed in the 21st century church. (Book needed by class: The United Methodist Way Living Our Beliefs by Kenneth Carder)

Loving People and Planet in God's Name: Engaging the Local Church in the Study and Practice of Climate Justice

This class will be taught by Karen Mcelfish and Rev. Ellen Comstock.  This course familiarizes participants with Christian theology, endorsing creation care; identifies the challenges and social justice implications of environmental degradation; and equips participants to engage their congregations to act on behalf of creation justice. The target audience is older youth and adults who want to move their congregations to action in light of the crisis facing creation.  We encourage clergy and laity to get involved with this topic. (Book needed by class Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action)

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Gail Von Mosch email gvonmosch@verizon.net or call 757 -481-3304 or 757-641-2260.