Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School offers seminary-level courses for lay learners — online or in person
Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School has been training men and women to serve in churches for 38 years, but you don’t have to be a student to benefit from its world-renowned faculty.
Beeson’s Lay Academy of Theology offers laypersons a chance to take a variety of classes focusing on different subjects each semester, helping attendees deepen their biblical knowledge or perhaps enhance their own ministries.
In 2001, Beeson offered the first course, a non-credit, seminary-style course designed to reach the local community, said the academy’s founder, Jim Pounds.
“The Lay Academy idea came as Beeson leadership was thinking of ways to offer in-depth theological study to laypersons in the community who had begun to express interest in taking a class with a Beeson professor but didn’t want to take exams,” Pounds said.
Over time, the offerings increased and now average about four classes per semester, with most classes meeting for six weeks.
Spending time in study with Beeson professors and other students allows attendees to expand their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, and helps the faculty interact with laypersons, something they enjoy but don’t often get to do. It helps professors gather feedback from possible readers, as they often turn class material into books.
“The Lay Academy helps students ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ (2 Pet. 3:18) and to be better equipped to ‘do the work of ministry’ (Eph. 4:12) and to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matt. 28:19-20),” said new director Deric Thomas.
“My first experience with the Lay Academy was intellectually engaging, as we learned how Christianity has progressed from 77 BC through 400 AD,” said attendee Jack Knight, who said the course he took spurred him to continue to learn on his own about church history.
Previous attendee Debbie Moss said she “highly recommends” the Lay Academy courses.
“After taking four courses with four different professors, each class has both inspired and equipped me for teaching my Sunday School class,” Moss said. “No matter your age or profession, consider enrolling in a class to enhance your spiritual journey.”
Anyone is welcome to take a class. Classes are offered both in-person and virtually.
This spring, three different classes will be offered:
- “World Religions and a Christian Response” – Led by Methodist Chair of Divinity Tim Tennent, this course will introduce attendees to the major non-Christian religions of the world and help them “discover afresh the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ.” Dr. Tennent will help you not only learn what different religions believe and teach, but also how Christians are effectively engaging with those who follow other faiths with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- “How to Live with God: The Theology of the Pentateuch – Led by Old Testament professor Alex Kirk, this class will offer an in-depth look at the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, and will help attendees learn how these books speak to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can live in fellowship with God.
- “Early Reformation Theology” – Led by research professor and renowned church historian Gerald Bray, this course will dive into the four distinct Protestant Reformations, each of which took shape early on and defined the main branches of Protestantism that still exist today.
Classes begin in late January. Scan the QR code or visit samford.edu/beeson-divinity/lay-academy to register today!
For more on Beeson’s Lay Academy of Theology, email dthomas1@samford.edu.
