The Lay School of Theology is a continuing education program for all who wish to enrich their Christian faith.
The aim of this course will be to focus on the role of the church as both an agent and recipient of social disruption. During our time we will explore Jesus as the great social disruptor and discuss social activism, the gospel and policy as being interrelated. We will place scripture in conversation with policy makers and community organizers.
Rev. Dr. Gillett has deep roots in the Kentucky region. He was called as the General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky on May 2021 and began his ministry on August 1, 2021. He served 22 years as senior pastor of East Second Street Christian Church in Lexington and four years as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Churches. He continues to serve as contingent faculty at Lexington Theological Seminary. Dr. Gillett has a BA from Jarvis Chr College, MDiv from McCormick Theological Seminary, MBA from Indiana Wesley Seminary and a DMin from Lexington Theological Seminary. He believes in the church being informed by a deep understanding of social context and that we are called to equip leaders for the work of ministry inside and outside of the local church.
$60 per login
Link to the recorded Fall 2022 Lay School of Theology is available for purchase.
In this Lay School, we will examine how the Bible can speak to social issues today. We will talk about how to use what we find in the Bible to bring it to bear legitimately and consistently on questions and issues we face. We will then turn to the kinds of issues Scripture addresses, such as economic polity and reproductive rights, among others, and examine them. We will also talk about how to discuss these issues in our churches.
Dr. Jerry Sumney is Professor of Biblical Studies at Lexington Theological Seminary. He has been on the faculty for 25 years. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and was past president of the Southeastern Region of the society. His books include The Politics of Faith: The Bible, Government, and Public Policy (2020); The Bible: An Introduction (2010; 2nd edition, 2014); Paul Apostle and Fellow Traveler (2014); and Apocalypse When? A Guide to Interpreting and Preaching Apocalyptic Texts (2020, with seminary college Rev. Dr. Leah Schade). He is also contributed entries to The Newe Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible and The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments. Dr. Sumney has led numerous Bible Study workshops and series.
$60 per login
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Link to the recorded Spring 2022 Lay School of Theology is available for purchase.
How can we talk with people who differ from us politically, theologically or culturally? Are there ways we can engage issues of public concern in our congregations so that we can listen, respect, and learn from each other?
Based on her book, Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide, Rev. Dr. Leah Schade will introduce participants to deliberative dialogue in “The Purple Zone” to find common ground within the red/blue divide in our congregations. Deliberative dialogue is a form of civil discourse that brings people together from diverse experiences and viewpoints to share their concerns about a topic, discern their shared values, and suggest steps for moving forward. Deliberative dialogue is an opportunity to listen deeply and share openly and respectfully. In this way, we can build community, even when there are strongly held opinions from many perspectives.
Link to the recorded Fall 2021 Lay School of Theology is available for purchase.
It’s Not TOO LATE! Click on the PayPal link below to purchase the recordings from the Spring 2021 Lay School Series
Link to the recorded Spring 2020 Lay School of Theology is available for purchase.
