Lay Seminary
A seminary is a special school designed to prepare, train and equip individuals for professional ministry. The Lay Seminary at First Church is designed to prepare, equip and empower lay people for ministry in the world in the name of Jesus Christ. This intent is based on clear teachings of Scripture, specifically 1 Corinthians 12:3-27 and Ephesians 4:7 and 11-16. Every believer is a minister and specially gifted by the Holy Spirit for ministry. A primary role of ordained clergy is to equip lay people for and releasing them to their respective ministries. The purpose is to help people who are seeking to further their understanding of the Christian faith and deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ in order to be better equipped to witness to the congregation and society. The body of Christ - specifically, the church - grows spiritually as each member uses their spiritual gifts for the ministry for which they are called.
Our next class . . .
This series of adult learning opportunities takes place each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in Room 127 (the Community Room). On February 21, the next offering will begin called "The Miracles of Jesus." Written and led by Rev. Gary Whitbeck, this 5 week study discusses in depth the various miracles which Jesus performed, the context from which they were drawn, and the effect they had on the people who witnessed them. Dr. Whitbeck is retired after 33 years in the ministry. Study materials will be provided, and childcare is available.
Contact Rae Frenette at rae@fumc-rr.org.