Region 5 Lay Schools

The ELCA Lay Schools of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa are proud to offer a wide array of learning opportunities for individuals seeking to deepen their faith, explore theology, and grow as leaders in their congregations and communities. Each participating Lay School brings its own unique strengths, structure, and spirit—offering a variety of course formats, learning styles, and schedules to meet people where they are.

Whether you’re looking for in-person classes, online options, weekend intensives, or long-term study, there’s a program designed to support your journey. All are welcome—whether you’re discerning a call to lay ministry, seeking personal enrichment, or simply curious to learn more about faith and the church.

We invite you to explore this representative course catalog to get a sense of the types of subjects offered across our Lay Schools. Please note: not all courses are available at all times or in every location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including current and future course offerings, program structure, costs, and registration details, visit each Lay School’s individual website.

Take time to explore, reflect, and discern which Lay School may be the best fit for your interests, needs, and learning goals. Wherever you begin, you’ll find open doors, welcoming communities, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

East Central Synod of Wisconsin

The ECSW lay school exists to equip and challenge adults for their lives as disciples of Christ, empowering them for service and ministry in their churches and communities. With a hybrid model of learning, students gather both in person and online for courses 1 weekend per month on Friday nights and Saturday mornings.

  • Courses can be taken one at a time or as a complete bundle of core courses in 2 years (4 courses/year)
  • Easy online registration
  • Registration costs do not include course textbooks

Northwest Synod of Wisconsin

The Lay School of Ministry (LSM) is an educational ministry of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin (ELCA), which assists lay people to a deeper Christian identity and participation in the mission of the whole church. The curriculum and educational objectives of the Lay School of Ministry emphasize the baptismal vocation of all Christians. Courses are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, Worship, Spirituality, Christian History and Lutheran Theology.

  • Courses are taken in a bundle over two years
  • Textbooks are an additional cost to tuition
  • Classes meet on the 2nd Friday evening and Saturday morning of each month

Growing In Faith – The Diakonia Program, Northern Illinois Synod

Growing in Faith prepares students for the task of showing God’s love in their workplaces, neighborhoods,
families, and schools, as well as their local churches. Diakonia graduates are called to share the light of Christ in
the world.

  • Courses meet online weekly for 5 weeks at a time
  • Full curriculum takes 2 years to complete
  • Registration costs do not include textbooks

Central-Southern Illinois Synod

The CSIS offers a three-year program of study for individuals preparing for eligibility to serve as a Synod Authorized Minister. The educational program includes 9 core courses and 3 retreats.  These may be taught by seminary professors or clergy with expertise in the field of study.  The Lay School Coordinator and the Synod Liaison determines instructors, schedules classes, and plans all curricula.

  • Registration costs do not include textbooks.
  • Class discussions are conducted through Realm software.
  • Each class tends to meet over a three month period (fall, winter, spring) with two classes per month on Saturday mornings (normally on zoom with some in-person offerings for preaching and worship classes).