Academy for Equipping the Saints

The Presbytery of South Alabama is excited and pleased to offer for the second time the “Academy for Equipping the Saints” – a comprehensive training ministry to equip the laity in our presbytery for teaching adults in the local church. This is a two (2) year commitment by individuals, supported by their home church, for training in Bible, Theology and Teaching with “hands-on” practicality. The teaching leadership will come from PCUSA seminaries and/or colleges.

Enrollment in this program is considered the answer to a “call” by God through the church to an individual to an unprecedented level of spiritual growth as a teacher. Consequently, Pastors, Sessions, Christian Education Committees and individuals are encouraged to prayerfully consider whom they will nominate for admittance into the Academy.

Students will participate in four teaching weekend seminars, which will include prior preparation with required class readings and a follow-up project. The final teaching weekend will include an assigned project to plan, implement and evaluate with the help of a mentor. Upon completion of the two (2) year commitment, the candidates will be recognized and receive a certificate at a Presbytery meeting.

The nominated candidates are required to submit a completed application including the fee to the Academy. The classes will be offered in a retreat setting over two and three day periods.

In order to provide a quality education experience enrollment in the Academy is limited to 24 candidates (a maximum of 4 from any church). Applications will be accepted on a first come-first served basis and the Academy will maintain a waiting list.

Costs will be shared by the Presbytery, participating churches and individual candidates.

Academy Schedule

Fall 2011

“Introduction to the Bible and

Survey of the Old Testament”

Dr. Robert Bryant - 15 hours

5 p.m. Friday, September 16 to

12:00 noon Sunday, September 18

Baytreat, Fairhope AL

This course will introduce students to the formation of the Old Testament, the types of literature in Scripture and a process for interpreting biblical passages.

Spring 2012

“Survey of the New Testament”

Dr. Robert Bryant - 15 hours
5 p.m. Friday, February 3 to

12:00 Noon Sunday, February 5
Baytreat, Fairhope AL

This course will extend the study begun in the previous course to the New Testament.

Fall 2012

“Introduction to Reformed Theology”
      Dr. Cynthia Rigby – 15 hours
      5 p.m. Friday, September 14 to
      12:00 Noon Sunday, September 16
      Baytreat, Fairhope AL

A study of the basics of the faith evident in the Reformed Tradition.

Winter/Spring 2013

“The Ministry of Teaching”
     Dee Koza
     5 p.m. Friday, TBA to
     12:00 Noon Sunday, TBA
     Baytreat, Fairhope AL
This session will equip candidates as teachers with practical human development and learning theory applied to the faith, including methods and tools for teaching as well as applying the knowledge to teaching a specific age group in the Church.

Final Project

After completing all four weekends, with the help of a mentor, the candidates will design, implement and evaluate a short-term teaching experience in their local church.

Fall 2013

“A Follow-Up Gathering”
     Saturday
     Date TBA
     Location TBA

Candidates will share final projects and learning with each other and prepare for the teaching ministry of the Church.