The Lay Academy of Theology offers non-credit evening classes and other study opportunities led by Beeson faculty for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education.
Evening Courses
Isaiah: Prophet of the Gospel
During these six weeks, join us as we dive deep into the book of Isaiah guided by Dr. Mark Gignilliat. The prophet covers a lot of ground in these 66 chapters and all of it is fertile. Come join us as we seek to hear God’s Word together.

We thank you for your interest in "Isaiah: Prophet of the Gospel." At this time, the "in person" class is full. To be placed on a waiting list, please email us at jcpounds@samford.edu.
Schedule
Six Monday nights - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning on September 11, 2023.
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Sept. 4—$115/$95 thereafter.
Weekday Seminars
Old Testament Theology
The Old and New Testaments are two voices in perfect harmony proclaiming the living revelation of God. The Old Testament is dynamic revelation inspired and given by the Holy Spirit. It reveals the very person of God, his character and his salvific plan for the ages. This class, led by Dr. Ken Mathews, focuses on the chief themes of the Old Testament and how they should be understood as Christian Scripture. The purpose of this study is to know God personally, to know his revelation, to know ourselves, to know the message of the Old Testament and to understand the New Testament better.
Kenneth A. Mathews (B.A., Dallas Baptist University; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan) teaches at Beeson Divinity School in the areas of Old Testament and Hebrew.
Schedule
Six Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning on September 26, 2023.
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Sept. 19—$115/$95 thereafter.
Stay in the Story - Part 2 - The History Books
Everybody has a story, but only one story redeems our story. In this six-week course, Dr. Doug Webster will help us understand what it means to embrace God’s salvation history, the truest of true stories, and understand the meta-narrative that shapes our Christian identity and worldview. Our focus will be on Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and 1 and 2 Samuel. Our aim is to take the whole counsel of God seriously. How did these history books prepare the way of the coming of Christ and how do they impact Christian living today? The Bible is not a huge undifferentiated mass of ancient material designed to feed our historical curiosity or to make us feel better about ourselves, or to send us off on a guilt trip. Nor is it an archeological guidebook, a moralistic manual, a motivational self-help book, or a collection of inspirational, devotional thoughts. The Bible is God’s breathed-out revelation, telling the story of redemption from its ancient roots to its future consummation. It is helpful to see how the whole Bible focuses on Jesus Christ and how each biblical book contributes to telling the story of redemption. Join us for this helpful and encouraging study of God’s covenant people.

Schedule
Six Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning on September 27, 2023.
Cost: $89 if attending on campus; $69 if participating virtually.
Discounted rates expire on Sept. 20—$115/$95 thereafter.
Registration Options
There are three ways to register:
- Register Online (with Visa or Master Card)
- Register by Mail (with check)
- Call (205) 726-2338 or (800) 888-8266 ext. 2338