Lifelong Learning - Lay Leadership Training Program for Immigrants

The Lay Leader Training Certificate Program (LLTP) is designed for lay leaders in immigrant fellowships and congregations. The program is a partnership of Columbia Theological Seminary and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.
 
Presbyterian traditions differ from country to country, and immigrant fellowships and New Church Developments in the United States include people from different backgrounds. The Lay Leader Training Program is designed to instruct lay leaders in the beliefs and polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Some participants in the LLTP Certificate Program become Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLPs) through their presbyteries. Since 1985, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has recognized CLPs. CLPs are eligible to lead worship, preach, administer the sacraments, moderate Sessions, provide pastoral care, perform weddings (where allowed by civil law), and have voice and vote in presbytery meetings. A CLP must be an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Each Presbytery determines the requirements for CLP instruction and preparation.

Program Description

The LLTP Certificate is offered in three languages: Portuguese, Spanish and English. The Program consists of ten, 10-hour courses (6 hours in the classroom and 4 hours of field work in the participant’s ministry context). Each course includes required readings, papers, and/or oral examinations. The curriculum concludes with a practicum, in which theology and the practice of ministry are evaluated.

Courses begin January 2008. A graduation ceremony takes place in December. Most courses are offered in weekend formats in the Harrington Center on the campus of Columbia Theological Seminary.

1. Reformed Theology
2. Presbyterian History and Polity
3. The Sacraments: Theology and Practice
4. Old Testament Survey and Interpretation
5. New Testament Survey and Interpretation
6. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
7. Introduction to New Church Development
8. Evangelism
9. Theological Reflection
10. Practicum

Certificate in English
Rev. Dr. Lucas de Paiva Pina
404-842-3175
lupapi@bellsouth.net

Certificado em Português
Rev. Dr. José C. Pezini
770-998-9321, ext. 311 or 312
pezini@theoutreachfoundation.org

Certificado en Español
Rev. Nelson Donado
404-209-0830
ndonado@yahoo.com