School of the Laity

The School of the Laity is now a program that you can CHOOSE to participate online (via Zoom) or in-person. In-person classes will be held at Epworth By the Sea, St. Simons Island GA.

There are pre-course assignments for each course. We highly recommend registering ASAP so you can complete the assignments to fully prepare for the classes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marty Susie, SOL Registrar, at (800) 616-3671 ext 703 or [email protected].

•••IMPORTANT NOTE ON PAYMENT: If you register online, you will be prompted to pay the full amount ($110). Please bring registration receipt to Jeannine in the SSPC church office for reimbursement. Paper registrations can be dropped off in the church office with payment of $55.

Dates: March 7-8, 2026
Where: Epworth by the Sea or Online
Cost for SSPC Members: $55 (Total After SSPC Member Contribution)

MARCH Course Information

Leslie McCracken
Scholarship Fund

The Leslie McCracken School of the Laity Scholarship Fund supports Savannah Presbytery members joining a School of the Laity cohort and committing to the full program.

Created in honor of Leslie’s legacy and deep love for the School, this scholarship helps cover tuition and in-person accommodations, making it easier for you to say YES! The scholarship pays directly to the program—and can supplement contributions from you or your church.

Learn more here

ABOUT SOL

The School of the Laity is now a program that you can CHOOSE to participate online (via Zoom) or in-person. In-person classes will be held at Epworth By the Sea, St. Simons Island GA.

There are pre-course assignments for each course. We highly recommend registering ASAP so you can complete the assignments to fully prepare for the classes. Late registrants for In-person may be required to participate online if we determine that registrations for in-person exceed safe spacing. Masks are strongly encouraged for in-person attendance except during meals. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marty Susie, SOL Registrar, at (800) 616-3671 ext 703 or [email protected].

In the fall of 1988, ten laypeople of Savannah Presbytery became the first graduating class of an innovative presbytery ministry known as the School of the Laity. The School of the Laity was a vision of then Executive Presbyter Dr. J. Richard Bass who recognized the desire of laypersons to engage in serious study of scripture, theology, and ministry.

Since that time, has strengthened the faith and equipped the leadership of more than 320 graduates throughout our presbytery (and beyond). The program is designed to provide seven core courses with summer, fall and spring sessions in a two-year period. Over the past few years, courses have also been opened to persons who would like to engage in single classes rather than commit to the full, two-year coursework, allowing them to participate as their schedules and interests permit. We have also been encouraged by the continuous return of SOL graduates who have chosen to engage in an intriguing elective study or retake a core course.