The 41st EPAUMC Laity Academy will be held on August 1st and 2nd on the beautiful campus of Eastern University, just outside of Philadelphia in Saint Davids, PA. Registration opens on campus at 4 PM on August 1, with a time of worship and fellowship prior to the first class session at 7 PM. Saturday classes are from 9 AM until noon, and 1-4 PM. With 2 hours of work required before and/or after the class, the students will receive credit for 10 hours of instruction. The cost to attend is $100 and includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
Originally conceived by the faculty at Albright University as a way to provide training in ministry areas to lay volunteers of the churches, it has grown into an annual event where a variety of classes in Leading, Caring and Speaking ministries are offered, as well as the Basic Course in Christ Servant Ministry. The classes may be used to fulfill the education requirements for Christ Servant Minister (CSM) certification as well as the continuing education requirements for laity who hold CSM, Lay Speaker, and Certified Lay Minister certifications. However, all laity are welcome to partake in the academy classes as a way to grow spiritually and explore ministry areas. Classes are also open to lay members of the Greater New Jersey Conference.
While some of the classes have prerequisites for enrollment, most do not and are open to anyone with an interest in that ministry area. The 2025 Course Catalog specifies all the requirements for enrollment in each class, along with the learning goals for the class and the name(s) and qualifications of the instructor(s).
New Classes for 2025
Many of the new classes this year are the result of partnerships with other conference committees and connections. Community Engagement will be taught by Alyssa Ruch, the Program Director of the EPA/GNJ Pathways Bridges Program. The EPA Global Ministries Team developed the course Vital Ministries of Mercy and Justice to help local churches connect with missions and missionaries, as well as teaching the grant-writing skills needed to secure the funding needed to initiate projects at the local church.
Rev. Mark Salvacion, formerly the pastor of Historic St. George’s, is teaching theology through the lens of the Wesley brothers, John and Charles. The members of the EPA Cross Cultual/Cross Racial Committee will present a pathway for developing cultural awareness and competency for the local church. Rev. David Piltz, a long time academy teacher, has developed a relevant new class about Navigating Change in Chaos, and Rev. Monica Guepet, will lead students in writing and using prayer in personal, church and community settings. There should be something for everyone who wants to grow as a ministry volunteer in their church.
Half Tuition Scholarships Available
This year there will be half tuition scholarships of $50 available for any academy registrants with demonstrated need. Students must apply online for assistance from the Reta Bartow Scholarship Fund, forward the application to their pastor for additional information, who will then email the application to the members of the laity Academy Scholarshp committee.
After review by the committee, the student will be notified by email of their acceptance and will receive a code that must be used at registration to receive the reduced tuition rate. We recommend that students begin the scholarship application process as soon as possible so that all deadlines may be met for both registration and for receiving and completing any work that is due prior to the first class session at Eastern.
Additional information and the registration link are also available at christservantministries.net. Find the Scholarship Form here.