Samford University Beeson Divinity School’s Lay Academy of Theology offers non-credit afternoon and evening classes led by Beeson faculty for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education. The following classes are being offered during the fall 2024 semester:
A Study of Deuteronomy. So much of the Old Testament’s internal conversation stems from the dynamics of Deuteronomy. This course, led by Mark Gignilliat, will engage the book’s themes and cross currents, with an eye toward Christian reception and understanding of the book’s canonical importance. The fifth book of The Pentateuch is constantly looking forward but always with an eye to the past.
- Schedule: Six Mondays, 6-8 p.m, beginning on Sept. 9.
- Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Sept. 2 – $115/$95 thereafter.
Women in the Ancient Church. Christian women have always been active in the church, but in the early centuries, their contributions were sometimes masked because they did not have conventional pulpit or teaching ministries. Join Stefana Laing in this class that seeks to lift up the names, lives and contributions of Christian women in the first five centuries of the church, through an examination of primary texts.
- Schedule: Six Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., beginning on Sept. 24.
- Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Sept. 17 – $115/$95 thereafter
Beginnings and Blessings: Studies in the Pentateuch. This course, led by Ken Mathews, traces the main themes of Moses’ five books. These are explained as God’s master plan for new creation and eternal blessings. The course describes the missional purposes of the Creator and Redeemer who in God’s unique Son, Jesus Christ, transforms the garden into the new Jerusalem. The story of God’s grace-filled mission to redeem broken humanity and renew all creation gives Christian readers eyes to see the true reality of the unseen God and His kingdom.
- Schedule: Six Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., beginning on Oct. 8.
- Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Oct. 1 – $115/$95 thereafter
Upper Room Discipleship. In the hours before his arrest, trial and crucifixion, Jesus discipled His disciples. He showed them and us what it means to follow Him. Douglas Webster guides us through this strategic upper room discourse that offers a theology of the church that shapes ministry and mission. Jesus’s final session with His disciples before the cross begins with Jesus washing their feet and ends with Jesus on His knees in Gethsemane praying to the Father. Everything in between shows us how to follow Jesus in a world that needs the Gospel.
- Schedule: Six Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m., beginning on Sept. 25.
- Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually. Discounted rates expire on Sept. 18 – $115/$95 thereafter
For more information or to register for any of these classes, please visit samford.edu/beeson-divinity/lay-academy or contact us at 205-726-2338.
