In Taek Chang and David Phillips were both recognized for their various contributions to the church and their support of lay education at a Knox College event in May.
The Ewart Centre for Lay Education at Knox has offered adult education courses since the fall of 2001. A first level certificate gives the participant a basic understanding of the Bible, history, lay ministry and theology. A Korean only program, which later evolved into the Korean Bible Academy at Knox College, began January 2002. Courses are now also offered online. The program has graduated nearly 300 people since its inception.
Chang was amongst the first graduates of the program in 2005. He has continued to take all the courses offered through the academy. His enthusiasm for further biblical and theological study has led him to write in several Korean language publica- tions, which led to a blog on what he has learned. He has also been an active fundraiser for the program.
David Phillips currently serves the Presbyterian Church as healing and reconciliation program animator for Justice Ministries, a director on the McLean Estate Board, an elder and clerk of session at St. Andrew’s-Chalmers, Uxbridge, Ont., and was in the first lay education graduating class.
He said he hopes “that the church and community will benefit as laity and clergy minister together in Christ’s name.”
Non-certificate short courses on a variety of different subjects have also been offered, including the spirituality of money taught by the late Rev. Dr. Art Van Seters and Stephen Allen, and the spirituality of sexuality by Rev. Dr. Harris Athanasiadis and Rev. Dr. Pam McCarroll. Teachers for all courses range from Knox College and Toronto School of Theology faculty, plus members of the Presbyterian Church.
