Presbytery of East Tennessee School of the Laity Spring 2011

Interested in learning more about your faith?  Curious about Reformed Theology or our Presbyterian heritage?   Thinking about the possibility of becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor or accepting other leadership opportunities?  Then we have an innovative program just for you.

Launched in the Fall of 2010, our presbytery offers a School of the Laity at Maryville College three times a year.  Each class is held on two Saturdays and will be taught by Maryville College faculty or area ministers.  The cost for each class will be $65, which includes lunch at the college both days. Please note that although one needs to be an elder to be a Commissioned Lay Pastor, the School of the Laity is available to all lay persons.

The spring semester class, Overview of the New Testament, will be held on March 5 and 26 from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  The registration deadline is March 1, 2011.  Register online below.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Wilson:  elizabeth@bewilson.net,  865-671-4132

Ron Keese:  ron.keese@keeseconsulting.com,  865-521-6851

PET School of the Laity    ~    First Year Course Calendar

            Fall:  Overview of the Old Testament  (October 2 and 16, 2010 - 9am – 3pm) 

Taught by professors Peggy Cowan and Phillip Sherman, this course will provide a solid overview of the literature in the Old Testament.

            Spring:  Overview of the New Testament  (March 5 and 26, 2011 - 9am – 3pm)

Taught by professors Bill Meyer and Andrew Irvine, this course will provide a solid overview of the literature in the New Testament.

            Summer:  Bible Study for Interpretation and Application  (TBD)

Taught by area ministers, this course will give tools and strategies for studying the Bible in order to apply and share its message.

Second and Third Years

Classes will cover topics including Reformed Theology, Church History and Thought, Christian Ethics, Church Polity, and Ministry and Leadership. 

For those interested in becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor

Additional classes will be offered on topics such as pastoral care, preaching, sacraments, and worship, and there will be an internship program.  Participation in the School of the Laity is required for the CLP program, but participating in the School of the Laity does not obligate you to continue into the CLP program.