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.
The Bible in Two Days
All adults and mature youth are welcome to attend.
Registration Opens November 15!
Explore the wide-ranging world and overarching storyline of God’s people from Abraham, Moses, and the prophets to Jesus and the earliest Christians. This two-Saturday Bible seminar is designed to help you grasp the Bible’s story in its entirety and provide you with tools to confidently study it on your own.
January 10, 9:00 am-4:00 pm with Dr. Sarah Lebhar Hall at Incarnation Tallahassee
The Old Testament Scriptures are often intimidating to Christians! There is so much material, and from such a different era of human history. But Jesus says that those who know both the way of his kingdom and the Old Testament are like “the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Join us for this one-day seminar, which will equip you to find old treasure in your own storeroom by giving you (1) a way to grasp the overarching storyline of the Old Testament and (2) tools to study it on your own with greater confidence.
February 7, 9:00 am-4:00 pm with Christopher De Stigter at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral
Who was Jesus? What does the New Testament have to say about him? What were the earliest Christians like? These are the key questions we will ask in the second part of our Bible seminar. Join us as we begin our own journey through the texts of the New Testament and come face to face with the person of Jesus Christ as the earliest Christians witnessed about him. No matter your familiarity with the Gospels or Paul’s letters, we will learn to hear God’s word and develop the habits and skills that characterize good readers of Scripture.
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.