The Charles Simeon Lay School of Theology

The mission of the Charles Simeon Lay School of Theology (LSOT) is to prepare lay people for leadership in the Church through theological education and ministerial training. All of our courses are FREE and we offer FREE child care for students.

Advent Term 2024

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  • Ever wonder why we do the things we do during worship? Or maybe you knew once but can’t quite remember! Worship in the Anglican tradition is rich in meaning and rooted in a millennia of tradition, but it can be easy to miss the depth and feel a bit lost. Come and learn the ‘what’ and ‘why’ in this deep dive into our Anglican liturgy. Whether you're a new or seasoned Anglican, this class will enrich your understanding of our worship and help you worship more fully in spirit and in truth.

    Led by Fr. Marcus Kaiser.

    Wednesdays, 6:15–8:00pm | December 4, 11 & 18

  • Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, once asked the question, “What is the meaning of life, the universe and everything?” To those familiar with his work, I can promise you the answer is not 42.

    This three-part series focuses on the hope we have in Christ for the future and how that perspective impacts the way we live today. It will challenge preconceived ideas about the resurrection, life after death, Christ’s second coming and more. We will use N.T. Wright’s book Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church as our guide through the fog surrounding this future hope in Christ.

    This class promises to be challenging, lively and accessible. If you are at all interested in the meaning of life, on both sides of the divide before and after death, join us for a conversation that promises to stimulate your thinking and help you think more biblically about one of life’s most pressing issues.

    Led by Fr. Jeff Trostle.

    **Please purchase Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright and read Part 1 before the first class. (Purchase at St. Peter’s bookstore or on Amazon.)**

    Wednesdays, 6:15–8:00pm | December 4, 11 & 18


 

Videos of previously presented Lay School of Theology Classes

Current Class Recordings Are Uploaded As They Are Made Available

Facing Death: A Christian’s Journey To Life Everlasting

Presented Eastertide 2024. Facing Death: A Christian’s Journey to Life Everlasting, is a 6-week course taught by a panel of experts covering a range of essential topics that every Christian would benefit from. This class is for everyone – whether you are nearing the end of life, have a loved one in that stage, or are just seeking discipleship in this aspect of life.

 

God's Design for Wholeness: Developmental Psychology and Our Christian Formation

Presented Advent 2023 by The Rt. Rev’d Jim Hobby & Nate Webster, LMHC

 

The Resurrection: The Origin and Goal of the Christian Life

Presented Eastertide 2023 by The Rev’d Canon Dr. Michael W. Petty

 

The Life and History of the Church

Presented Eastertide 2023 by Jennifer Webster


Instruction in Sound Doctrine

Presented Advent 2022 by The Rev’d Canon Dr. Michael W. Petty


Faith of the New Testament: God, Gospel, Mission

Presented Spring 2022 by The Rev’d Canon Dr. Michael W. Petty

 

Dr. William "bill" Price
lay school of theology student

I have been a Christian my whole life and, at certain periods, have met some good mentors in the faith.  However, I have learned more and grown more under the influence of Fr. Michael Petty and the Lay School of Theology, during the past three years, than I have for the entire rest of my life.  Christianity is more real to me, my daily devotions are more meaningful, and I feel a closer communication with my Creator.  My only regret is that this treasure of experience is not available to all people, as they enter into their Christian growth.