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2026-2027 Lay School Information
- Post
- May 27
- 2 min read
From the Rev. Joy Blaylock, PhD, Dean of the School for Ministry
I have begun to get inquiries about our Lay School options for next year, so I want to share some pertinent information.
The School for Lay Ministry offers five tracks: pastoral care leader, worship leader, preacher, catechist, and evangelist. You can find the application and a detailed description of each track here on our diocesan website: https://www.diocgc.org/_files/ugd/4525a9_b72707a49302441c83d5db419cb98ce7.pdf
With over 100 licensed lay leaders now, we have been very pleased with how they have embraced their study of our faith and its traditions. We look forward to continuing this dynamic to further equip our churches in your varied contexts and beyond. You can find a roster of lay ministers here:
The most frequently asked questions are these:
When do classes meet and for how long? Classes meet one Saturday of the month for four hours from approximately September to June (each track varies by the instructor and class needs). We tailor the class location to those enrolled in the class — finding a central meeting place so no one is overly burdened by driving.
How much is tuition? $300, and checks can be made out to the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast with "Lay School" on the designation line.
How many tracks can you take? There is no limit on attendance, provided a student has the priest's and vestry's approval. A student can take only one track at a time.
When are applications due? We would like applications completed by mid-August. However, if extensions are needed for appropriate signatures, we can grant that. Please let me know if you are planning to apply so we can ascertain if we have enough applicants to fill a class--joyblaylock@diocgc.org
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in discerning lay ministries or formation in your congregations.
Shalom,
The Rev. Joy H. Blaylock, PhD
Dean, DCGC School for Ministry
