AES is a comprehensive training ministry to equip the laity in our presbytery for teaching and/or leading in the local church. Our most recent graduates began their study in the Fall of 2017 and completed a two (2) year commitment, supported by their home church, for training in Bible, Theology and Teaching with "hands-on" practicality or transformational leadership. The facilitators and leadership for the four study weekends came from PC(USA) seminaries and/or colleges as well as Certified Educators and PC(USA) Pastors. All the retreats were held at the beautiful Baytreat Conference Center in Point Clear, AL.

Enrollment in this program is considered the answer to a "call" by God through the church, to an individual to an unprecedented level of spiritual growth as a teacher or leader. Consequently, Pastors, Sessions, Christian Education Committees and individuals are encouraged to prayerfully consider whom they will nominate for admittance into the Academy.

Students participated in four teaching weekend seminars, which included prior preparation of required class readings and possible follow-up project. Upon completion of the two (2) year commitment, the candidates were recognized and received a certificate during a service at their home church. The graduate’s names will be listed at a following presbytery meeting.

What a blessing to have had our AES participants learning from such great teachers as Bob Bryant, Associate Professor of Religion at Presbyterian College (Bible), and Martha Moore-Keish from Columbia Seminary (Reformed Theology), Rev. Toby Mueller (Transformational Leadership) and our own Commissioned Ruling Elder (and Certified Christian Educator), Dee Koza.

At the present time, AES is in a “holding pattern” as we look to the future mission and vision of the Presbytery of South Alabama and consider how AES might be renewed, refreshed and reframed for a new decade of leadership training in the Presbytery of South Alabama!