The Lay School of Theology
The Rev. Roger A. Ferlo, Ph.D., Director 

Spring 2005 Brochure

The Lay School of Theology was established in 1971 at the request of a number of parishes in the Washington area in order to provide an opportunity for serious theological education for lay people. 

The program is open to persons of all denominations who wish to deepen their own understanding of the Christian faith and experience. Spouses of seminarians are encouraged to enroll in Lay School courses. Tuition is waived for these individuals. 

Students in the Lay School of Theology may take courses as auditors or may enroll for credit toward the Diploma in Theological Studies. 

The diploma is awarded for the satisfactory completion for credit of six courses, four of which are required: 

• Introduction to Christian Theology
• Introduction to Old Testament
• Introduction to New Testament
• The Worship of the Church. 

One of the required courses is offered every semester. 

Elective courses offered recently by the Lay School have included The Philosophy of Religion in the Modern World, Mystics and Witnesses to the Faith, People of the Covenant from Moses to the Monarchy, and Dante’s Divine Comedy. (These credits are not transferable to Virginia Seminary or to other academic institutions.) 

Classes in the Lay School of Theology are taught by members of Virginia Seminary’s faculty or other qualified persons. They are held on campus on weekday evenings. Two or three courses are offered each semester. Tuition is modest, thanks to a bequest from the estate of Maxine Bishop of Alexandria, Virginia.  The Seminary’s library is available to registered students in the Lay School. Additional information about the Lay School of Theology and registration applications may be obtained from the department of Lifetime Theological Education.