Lay Pastor Training Program

The Lay Pastors Training Program is a program of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. Its mission is:

The encouragement, care, and growth of churches in need of lay pastoral leadership through the provision of approved lay persons trained and equipped as lay pastors, thereby strengthening the life of our denomination and advancing the Kingdom of God.

The program is designed primarily for persons desiring understanding and skills that would enable them to assume paid leadership roles in a church as a lay pastor or lay preacher on a part-time basis. It is open to all persons who are responsible, active members of a local church, and who have received a commendation to the program from their pastor or Board of Deacons.

The program is a three-year course of study leading to a Lay Pastor Diploma. Twenty-three (23) units of study must be successfully completed. If necessary, students may have up to six-years to complete the program. Courses will normally be offered in two locations simultaneously - principally in central locations in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They will be taught by experienced Pastors from within the Convention. Throughout the three years, students will be assigned a Mentor to assist them throughout their studies.

Upon achieving the Diploma, the candidate would be eligible for placement on the list of officially accredited lay pastors available for lay ministry in Convention Baptist Churches. Accredited Lay Pastors shall not be eligible for Ordination to Pastoral Ministry.

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