Love+Teach+Heal Academy is a program that forms lay preachers and worship leaders, equipping participants to discern and develop ministries in their home congregations.
The Love+Teach+Heal (LTH) curriculum includes a deep dive into biblical and liturgical theology, teaching students how to communicate the content of Christian faith and why it matters both in formal church pulpits and in the informal “pulpits” of home, school, and work. The Rev. Canon Natalie Hall (Canon for Faith Formation and Evangelism in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh) is the primary class leader, and there are several other respected theologians and pastoral leaders scheduled speak throughout the course.
Register by Monday, October 10
Course Fee: $100
LTH Academy will meet online Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 PM beginning October 18 through the end of May.
There will be a final in-person class dinner and presentation which Bishops Kusserow and Solak attend. All participants are asked to contribute $100 towards the cost of the program. Additionally, you will need to acquire a small set of books. (There is financial assistance available if these costs would be prohibitive for a prospective participant.)
Reflections from recent Love+Teach+Heal Academy students:
I loved LTH Academy! I learned a great deal about our liturgy and sacraments. I also gained confidence in my ability to understand scriptures and create meaningful reflections/sermons based on them. Participating in LTH Academy led to my teaching Bible Study and creating worship services for our congregation. Canon Hall is a fantastic teacher! – Louise M.
LTH provided with me an additional way to enhance my adult education. Writing brief reflections on specific questions, leading up to a whole sermon, allowed me to do some soul-searching on my experiences, beliefs, and relationship with fellow Christians, as well as with Jesus Christ. LTH enabled us to develop relationships with other Christians who may never have met, and we became close. – Linda B.
I recommend LTH Academy to anyone who would like to explore and speak comfortably about faith. It's a way to develop a deeper understanding of faith along with respect for others who don't quite believe in the same way. LTH was one of my favorite parts of the week. I knew I'd laugh, learn, and pray with wonderful people and leave with both more questions and clarity. Guest speakers were fantastic! I pray more now. I know the difference between "pinch" and "promise" and that preaching is telling the story of God's love for you through Jesus Christ (not just "you should…" or "you must not..." instructions). My home, even with a non-believing spouse, is more Christ-centered, and I am comfortable sharing faith with my motley group of friends. LTH helped me take risks at church - reading the lessons, being a chalice bearer, and even preaching on a Sunday. – Martha B.
For questions, please contact:
The Rev. Canon Natalie L.G. Hall
Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
(703) 963-2789
nhall@episcopalpgh.org