March 22, 2000
New Texas Laity Institute piloting first classes this spring
___By Dan Martin
___Texas Baptist Communications
___The Texas Baptist Laity Institute has launched its first pilot programs and is recruiting its first class of mentors.
___The institute, which has been in the planning stages since 1996, began moving toward its aim of offering theological education for laypeople when Dan Williams was employed as president in September 1999.
___Under Williams' leadership, the institute began offering its first two pilot project classes in early March--in New Testament and Baptist distinctives--and has set a class in church history to begin in late April.
___All the pilot classes are being offered in the Dallas area.
___Mark Thames, pastor of Lower Greenville Baptist Community, is teaching "Understanding Our Baptist Heritage: Baptist History and Distinctives" at Ross Avenue Baptist Church; Linda Cross, a member of Royal Lane Baptist Church, is teaching "Becoming Familiar with the New Testament" at Wilshire Baptist Church; and Williams will teach "Our Heritage in Christian History through the Reformation" at Royal Lane Baptist Church.
___Thames also is developing the teaching syllabus for Baptist distinctives; Joe Blair of Houston Baptist University is developing the materials for New Testament introduction; and Rosalie Beck of Baylor University is writing the church history sequence.
___The first two pilot project classes are full, Williams said, adding individuals interested in participating in the church history class may contact the Institute at (214) 820-3935.
___Classes will be limited to between six and 12 students, Williams said. "Less than six puts too much pressure on the individual, and more than 12 becomes a congregation."
___In addition to the pilot projects, the institute is recruiting individuals to become mentors, or teachers. Three sessions of mentor training are scheduled in May and June, with space for 120 prospective mentors.
___"Mentor" is the term the institute will use to describe those who lead the classes. The title is more appropriate than "teacher," he said, because they will guide the students and assist them to integrate the material into their own faith and practice of ministry.
___"We are seeking people who have some theological training," he said. "It is not necessary that they have advanced degrees, because we know that sometimes the best teachers are not necessarily the most accredited. We do want them to have college degrees, to have expertise in the area they want to teach and to be mature Christians."
___Mentors also will be expected to be "accomplished leaders in small groups," Williams said.
___The mentor training sessions will cost $50 for lodging, meals and textbooks.
___In the training sessions, Williams will teach "Understanding the TBLI Philosophy," and Nancy Ferrell, an expert in mediation and conciliation, will teach "Honing Small Group Leadership Skills."
___Participants also may take specialized training in the three classes currently being offered.
___The first of the three training opportunities for prospective mentors will be held May 19-20 at Summers Mill Retreat Center in Belton. The registration fee must be sent by April 19.
___The second mentor training will be June 9-10 at Alta Frio Encampment in Leakey. Registration must be sent by May 1.
___The third training will be June 16-17 at Plains Baptist Assembly in Floydada. Registration is due May 1.?
___Williams, who was pastor of Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo prior to assuming the new post, said Texas Baptists "began the process of responding to the need for theological education of the laity when we approved the Efficiency & Effectiveness Committee report."
___The E/E recommendation led to formation of the Laity Institute, which was established with a self-sustaining board of directors, although it is related to the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Texas Baptists provided start-up funding for the institute.
___The purpose of the laity institute, Williams said, "is to give a seminary-type education in small groups led by mentors to laypeople without expecting them to quit their jobs or seek ordination."
___"We want an empowered laity who actually participate in ministry, creating stronger churches, encouraged vocational ministers and higher quality church programs and ministries," he said.
___The institute will find its niche among that sector of Texas Baptists who want to be challenged beyond the level and depth of the current materials available in most churches, he said. "We believe there are people who want that kind of teaching and training out there, and we are seeking to meet their needs."
___Mentors will be trained, then they will return to their homes, where they will recruit students who wish to participate.
___Each student will pay $100 per class, which will offset mentor stipends and training. Students also will be asked to purchase moderately priced study materials. Some scholarship aid will be available.
___Classes will last 24 hours, which will be broken into eight, 12 or 24 sessions, depending on the wishes of the individual sponsors and students.
___Other classes are being developed beyond the three pilot classes, including sessions in Old Testament, missions and ministries.
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