Lay Licensing Training Course Descriptions
The Book of Common Prayer for Lay Licensing with Practicum
An advanced look at the Book of Common Prayer that will prepare students to lead Morning/Evening prayer, distribute communion from reserved sacrament, and other services appropriate to a worship leader. The course will also include the opportunity to practice services in person with feedback.
Pastoral Care for Lay Licensing
In this overview class, we will discuss the theology of pastoral care and understanding your pastoral care identity. We will learn about practical skills in listening, setting boundaries, de-escalation, and self-care while practicing pastoral care, and engage with other topics in this area.
Storytelling for Lay Licensing
Understanding the call to evangelism within the Episcopal church, discussing the idea of storytelling as evangelism, and skills for listening to others’ stories in a diverse community as part of evangelism.
Leading Adult Formation
A collaborative discussion on how to plan adult formation; develop new curriculum or enhance packaged curriculum; design activities to deepen participant engagement; prepare promotional materials; facilitate Zoom classes; and handle difficult situations that arise in small or large groups.
Detailed Episcopal Catechism
How to introduce others to the Episcopal Church, with a deeper discussion of the catechism and creeds found in the Book of Common Prayer. Understanding the sacrament of Baptism and the rite of Confirmation.
Multicultural Awareness for Lay Leaders
Ministry - lay or ordained- in our diocese is a multicultural experience. Designed to help the students gain skills and insights in understanding others' languages and cultures, seeing the "other" as our friend, and cultivating connections with those who share different backgrounds to bridge cultural and religious divides.
Episcopal Identity
Episcopal Identity is an exploration of the modern Episcopal Church – its theology, its worship and community, its history, and organization. A deeper dive than a confirmation class, this training is presented from a lay ministry point of view.
Anti-Racism
In accordance with a resolution of the 2000 General Convention that “the lay and ordained leadership of the Episcopal Church, including all ordained persons, professional staff, and those elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees, commissions, agencies, and boards be required to take anti-racism training and receive certification of such training”; the diocese is requiring every lay minister complete a training in understanding systems of oppression and how they play out in the Episcopal Church and society in general.
Introduction to the Bible for Lay Licensing
An overview of Hebrew and Christian scriptures – their history, construction, and authorship, with a particular focus on Episcopal views of the Bible. We will look at overarching themes, voices, and agendas that emerge in the major sections of scripture.
Beginning Preaching for Lay licensing with Practicum
Topics covered: sermon organization, research, construction, and delivery. Students will be asked to prepare and deliver a sermon for the class.
Advanced Preaching for Lay Licensing with Practicum
A workshop style class with exercises to build on the beginning preaching class; incorporating the lectionary readings; fine-tuning a sermon and its delivery. Students will be asked to prepare and deliver one or more sermons and receive feedback.