At Garrett, we believe that all are called to ministry, but that each person’s call is as unique as God’s fingerprints on their life. For some, a call is fulfilled in vocational ministry as a pastor. For others, being a lay leader in their congregation and community is where their skills and the world’s needs meet. Part of your vocational journey may be discerning where and how the Spirit leads you to serve.
Regardless of where and how you are called, theological education can support you and offer tools for the journey. Seminary gives you the knowledge to support your work in congregations and communities, the spiritual formation to invigorate your leadership, and the practical skills you need to cultivate communities of justice, compassion and hope.
In the fall of 2025, Garrett will launch a laity discernment cohort intentionally crafted to help lay people discern their call and whether theological education is right for them. Cohorts will be offered in the fall and spring semester.
Up to 20 students will be given the opportunity to connect monthly with discernment professionals throughout the fall semester as they explore theological education and ministry formation. Alongside that work, students will be able to try on a class for a discounted rate of $200.
Students that feel called to further education after the fall semester will be offered 1-on-1 application guidance and a guaranteed 75% scholarship for degree programs after the fall semester.
Session #1: Tools for Discerning Your Call to Lay Ministry
Session #2: A Theological Vision for Lay Ministry
Session #3: Transformative Lay Ministry in the Extended Garrett Community
Session #4: Lay Ministry as the Future of the Church
“Laity” is a term used to describe non-ordained members of the church, and “lay leaders” are those who take on leadership roles within the church without being ordained.
No! Though Garrett is associated with the United Methodist Church, we are ecumenical in nature and value the conversation to be had about what leadership looks like in any and all denominations.
No! If you are looking for ways to better equip yourself for leadership, this can be part of that work.
Yes. The only qualifications are that you are not already a clergy person. You can participate in this cohort if you are considering vocational ministry, if you are active in a congregation, and if you are discerning the best ways to be in ministry outside of the church.
Undergraduate studies are generally considered the best preparation for graduate-level studies, including the courses we are offering. We can consider applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree, but we may have some additional steps you need to take, and admission to a graduate program is not guaranteed if you are not prepared to study at that level.
That’s okay! There are many reasons students choose not to start a seminary education. What we are most interested in is helping you to discern your next steps, even if that means you don’t go to seminary.
That’s okay too! While we hope that our broad range of offerings, incredible faculty, and robust learning community is a place you can flourish, the reality is that sometimes that just won’t be the case. We want to help you discern the next right step, even if that means that Garrett isn’t the right place for you.
