Lay Ministry Certification Program in Alabama
For several years the Diocese of Alabama dreamed of a program that would bring knowledge and recognition to lay employees working with children and youth. After acquiring funding and a design team the program was developed and ready for its first class of participants. I was fortunate to be a part of this inaugural class. The program is designed to be completed in 18 months. There are two tracks- one is a self study and one is spent with the whole group in instruction and participation. There are weekend sessions with topics such as: church systems /parish models, intra-personal communication, inter-personal communication, resources and curricula, self care, and administration. Each participant is paired with a clergy mentor to oversee the self –study and help design it to that particular person’s needs and interests. Those that have completed the EFM program review topics of Early Church History, Anglican History, Anglican theology, the Catechism and Calendar of the Church year. Those that have not completed the EFM program are assigned a series of books to read on the above mentioned topics and are discussed with the mentor. Whole group classes take place over several weekends throughout the 18 month time frame. We were able to experience the gifts of each other as well as the talent and gifts from many wonderful speakers- some of which I nicknamed “the rock stars of Christian Education”. There were 12 in our class- 3 Christian education directors and 9 youth directors. Candidates for the program are people who are confirmed Episcopalians, are currently working or seeking employment in the Episcopal church and are willing to give the necessary time to training, education and reflection. Lay and ordained persons are welcome. We learned much from each other and bonded as a group as we worked together toward our goal. Upon completion of the course we were presented with a framed certificate at the annual diocesan convention by the bishop. The Diocese of Alabama’s goal is to “raise up” lay ministry as a true profession and doing so wanted to offer something that gave credibility , knowledge and tools to those working in the church . The design of each program piece intends to balance instruction, discussion, independent study, theological reflection, worship and spiritual formation. To learn more about this program visit the Diocese of Alabama website’s page on Lay Ministry Certification or email me at [email protected] for information about the next course start date. Kathy Graham A member of the Board of Directors of Forma, Kathy Graham is the Coordinator for Lifelong Christian Formation for the Diocese of Alabama. Kathy has served as a Christian Education Director for 15 years, most recently as Christian Education Director at St. Stephen’s in Birmingham.