Brief Overview
The “Lay Institute” was founded in 1973 by a group of committed Episcopalians. The Church in Central Florida was experiencing renewal, people of the diocese were seeking sound teaching, and a revival of the ancient order of the vocational diaconate was taking place. Individuals seeking to become deacons needed to be prepared for that ministry. Today, the mission of ICS is the same: to provide adult Christian education and training for any interested person, training for aspirants to the diaconate, and continuing education for clergy.
ICS offers scripture and religion courses; as well as, special workshops. All courses offered are designed for Christian Education to strengthen and enhance lay and ordained ministry. Courses of study also prepare Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Lay Preachers, and Lay Catechists for licensure.
Courses are varied, interesting, challenging and inspiring. The course material is designed so courses are presented one course at a time; most courses can be completed on one Saturday. The one-day format makes it possible for the student to take for credit, or to audit, any course in any sequence.
With the exception of Diaconal Studies Year 1 and Year 2 courses,
ANY INTERESTED PERSON MAY ATTEND ANY CLASS IN THE ICS CATALOG!