Lay Catechist Certificate
According to the Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Church, "a Catechist is a lay person authorized to prepare persons for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and shall function under the direction of the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith" (Canon III.4.8).
Licenses for all canonical lay ministries are issued by the bishop of one’s diocese. However, this curriculum, developed in collaboration with individuals from the dioceses of Kansas and West Missouri, will provide you the course preparation you need to be effective as a lay catechist. If you have questions about lay licensure, contact your diocesan office.
Each course must be taken for credit. Students follow all the usual BKSM academic policies and procedures. After you have successfully completed the eight courses listed below, BKSM will award you a certificate of completion and forward your transcript to your bishop.
Attending New Student Orientation on July 13-14 is an extremely helpful, but not required option for student on a lay license track.
Required Courses
Introduction to Scripture (September 2019)
This course provides students with the basic tools for understanding the Bible as the normative theological document of the Christian faith. The course addresses questions about the origins and transmission of scripture, the literary classifications of the books of the Bible, common hermeneutical approaches, and the use of secondary materials such as commentaries and Bible dictionaries.
Adult Catechesis and Formation (October 2019)
The primary focus of the class is on the ancient and modern catechumenate, especially in terms of preparation for baptism and confirmation. The course will also look at other formation issues for adults, particularly vocational discernment and spiritual direction.
Theology of Education Ministry (November 2019)
In this class, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of human learning and development and the philosophy of education. You will learn how to identify and develop educational objectives and gain familiarity with the principles and practices for designing, implementing, and assessing curricula. Finally, this course will explore the theology of formation and the place of formation in the life and work of the church.
The Contemporary Catechumenate (March 2020)
Students will become familiar with exciting current ecumenical developments in the retrieval of the church’s long tradition of catechumenate. They will learn about current social trends and how to respond to contemporary realities in ways that foster the preparation and formation of Christian disciples.
Christian History (April 2020)
Students learn about the development of Christian thought from the apostolic age to the present.
Anglican Identity (May 2020)
This course provides students with a basic introduction to some of the major themes of the Anglican tradition. Beyond history and theology (which are covered in other classes), this course will illustrate the major cultural themes influencing the Anglican Church and how those various factors continue to appear today on every level from our global community to our own parishes.
Licenses for all canonical lay ministries are issued by the bishop of one’s diocese. However, this curriculum, developed in collaboration with individuals from the dioceses of Kansas and West Missouri, will provide you the course preparation you need to be effective as a lay catechist. If you have questions about lay licensure, contact your diocesan office.
Each course must be taken for credit. Students follow all the usual BKSM academic policies and procedures. After you have successfully completed the eight courses listed below, BKSM will award you a certificate of completion and forward your transcript to your bishop.
Attending New Student Orientation on July 13-14 is an extremely helpful, but not required option for student on a lay license track.
Required Courses
Introduction to Scripture (September 2019)
This course provides students with the basic tools for understanding the Bible as the normative theological document of the Christian faith. The course addresses questions about the origins and transmission of scripture, the literary classifications of the books of the Bible, common hermeneutical approaches, and the use of secondary materials such as commentaries and Bible dictionaries.
Adult Catechesis and Formation (October 2019)
The primary focus of the class is on the ancient and modern catechumenate, especially in terms of preparation for baptism and confirmation. The course will also look at other formation issues for adults, particularly vocational discernment and spiritual direction.
Theology of Education Ministry (November 2019)
In this class, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of human learning and development and the philosophy of education. You will learn how to identify and develop educational objectives and gain familiarity with the principles and practices for designing, implementing, and assessing curricula. Finally, this course will explore the theology of formation and the place of formation in the life and work of the church.
The Contemporary Catechumenate (March 2020)
Students will become familiar with exciting current ecumenical developments in the retrieval of the church’s long tradition of catechumenate. They will learn about current social trends and how to respond to contemporary realities in ways that foster the preparation and formation of Christian disciples.
Christian History (April 2020)
Students learn about the development of Christian thought from the apostolic age to the present.
Anglican Identity (May 2020)
This course provides students with a basic introduction to some of the major themes of the Anglican tradition. Beyond history and theology (which are covered in other classes), this course will illustrate the major cultural themes influencing the Anglican Church and how those various factors continue to appear today on every level from our global community to our own parishes.