About the Lay Academy for Mission
Mission Statement
The Lay Academy for Mission equips lay people to use their gifts for making Christ known.
Vision Statement
The Lay Academy for Mission will use various learning experiences to equip, empower and train lay people to better serve their congregations, communities and thus make Christ known.
Baptismal Call
The call to mission and ministry is shared by all who are baptized. The primary purpose of the Lay Academy for Mission is to enable the laity of the Northwestern Ohio Synod to recognize, affirm and appreciate their baptismal call to service and ministry through the Holy Spirit.
Discerning Your Gifts
"The gifts He gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..." (Ephesians 4:11-12).The Lay Academy of Mission’s training programs will offer participants the opportunity to discern their spiritual gifts and the ministry for which God would prepare them.
Equipping For Ministry
Whether one feels called to teach catechism, lead worship, lead a mission trip or to simply share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a co-worker, most of us would like to be more equipped to do so. Such ministries might include:
How Does The Lay Academy Work?
A series of workshops, retreats and one-day training sessions will be offered for a fee. A certificate of completion (not competency) will be provided for each area.
Each of the workshop and training sessions will be designed specifically to address a particular area of ministry. For example, an Academy program for church artists might include an Old Testament workshop on poetry or temple art.
Want To Get Involved?
How and where has God called you to mission? Are you looking for a place to be equipped for that mission? Perhaps the special challenge of the Lay Academy for Mission is just the answer. If you are interested in potential offerings, please complete the Interest Form or you can contact Brenda Gibson at 419. 536-6377 or brengibson (at) att.net.
Meet LAM's Director:
Brenda Gibson
Brenda Gibson is the Director for the Lay Academy for Mission with a solid background in the Lutheran faith.
She is committed to using her degree and experience of leadership skills, to develop learning experiences that nurture spirituality and incorporate lifelong skills that engage, equip, and encourage others to seek God‚s promises in Christ.
She currently leads a women's Bible study, mother-daughter Bible study, and maintains an active role in her church at Hope Lutheran in Toledo.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, of 22 years and their two daughters, Laney (13) and Gracey (9) which are the blessings of her life.