Statement of Purpose
Lay School Class Schedule

The Lay Ministry training program of the East Central Wisconsin Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is about training lay persons of the church to perform services to and for the Body of Christ. The program of Lay Ministry was organized and instituted under the direction of former Bishop John Beem. 

The Eastern Lay School of Ministry meets at Christ the King Lutheran Church (601 S. Washington, Combined Locks, WI 54113)  It is a ministry of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin.

"The Eastern Lay School of Ministry was established to prepare theologically articulate lay persons for ministry in the church and in the world.

The Eastern Lay School of Ministry of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin began in September of 1996 and is designated to equip lay persons for their ever increasing role in witness, worship, and care giving.

The changes and challenges of the twenty-first century call for articulate lay persons with passion for mission who can be central to renewal of the church.  Our goal is to serve the East Central Synod of Wisconsin by yearly having fifty plus students preparing to increase their ministries to synod congregations as lay worship leaders, catechists, everyday evangelists, care gives and instruments of justice."

Inquiries into the Lay School may be made with Tobi Johannsen (administrator) tjohannsen@new.rr.com; or 920-731-1486

The Central Lay School of Ministry meets at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church (3200 North Mountain Rd, Wausau, WI 54401)  It is a ministry of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin.   More details are available on the Central Lay School website:  www.wausaulayschool.org 

The Central Wisconsin School of Lay Ministry of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin was established in September 1999, to assist pastors and churches to further equip and empower adult lay persons in the fulfillment of their callings to serve Christ.

The challenges of the twenty-first century call for educated, theologically reflective and articulate lay persons with a passion for mission. Shared partnership, leadership and service between those ordained and those who serve with other callings will be central to ongoing renewal in the church. Our goal is to serve the East Central Synod of Wisconsin by yearly sending students into their congregations prepared to increase their ministries to synod congregations as teachers, everyday evangelists, informed leaders, lay worship assistants and leaders, care givers, and instruments of justice.

Our bishop and staff are instrumental in supporting and promoting the Lay School of Ministry. Participation in this program is recognized by our synod as an important way to strengthen East Central Synod congregations. While we purposefully do not offer academic credit, you will find the education to top notch. The Lay School of Ministry offers an opportunity to experience adult education through in-depth study. We enlist seminary professors, pastors with expertise in particular areas, as well as trained lay leaders as part of our teaching staff. One of the purposes of our Friday-Saturday meeting is to entice students into independent study throughout each month. The pastor-mentor component of the program is designed as a tool to encourage self-understanding and personal growth.

For More Information Contact
Betty Wyatt: 715-623-6263
Jeanette Carlson, 903 Rosecrans, Wausau, WI 54401; or 715/848-2108