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.
Eastertide Semester: "It's Sunday! What Are Anglicans Doing in Church and Why Am I Here?"
Instructors: Fr. Michael Petty and Mr. Andrew Beluk
April 22nd, April 29th, May 6th, May 13th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free Childcare Offered (Must Register Childcare by April 15th)
Worship on Sunday is an essential part of the Christian life, but sometimes aspects of the worship service can feel mysterious or even confusing. Why do people cross themselves at certain points in the liturgy? Why is the Bible processed down the aisle for the Gospel reading? What are the priests doing at the altar? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you are not alone! This class is designed to help you understand what the Church does on Sunday, why it is so significant and how you can meaningfully participate in worship. The class, in four sessions led by Fr. Michael Petty and Andrew Beluk,, will explain both the deeper theology and moment-by-moment happenings of a Sunday worship service.
Videos of Previous Classes
Current Class Recordings Are Uploaded As They Are Made Available
Rethinking Heaven: Our Hope in this Life and the Next
Presented Advent 2024 by the Rev’d Dr. Jeff Trostle. This three-week course challenges preconceived ideas about the resurrection, life after death, Christ’s second coming and more. The discussion is focused around N.T. Wright’s book “Surprised by Hope.”
Reengaged Liturgy: Exploring Anglican Worship
Presented Advent 2024 by the Very Rev’d Marcus A. Kaiser, Sr. Students of this three-week course learn the ‘what’ and ‘why’ in this deep dive into our Anglican liturgy. Subjects include the ancient church’s liturgy, the English Reformation, and an instructed Eucharist using the 2019 Book of Common Prayer.
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
The Mission of LSOT
The Lay School of Theology aims to provide free theological education for anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of the Anglican way. Broadly speaking we teach on Christian theology, Anglican formation, Old and New Testament, Church History, Liturgy and many other important topics for those seeking to serve in Anglican ministry.
Testimonials
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.