We Disciples constantly proclaim the priesthood of all believers. Our lay people are concerned, capable, and committed far beyond the realization of many professional religious leaders. Secondly, we suffer from an extreme case of expertitus. It would appear that every time we plan a project, a near-panic call clarions for an outside expert to direct us. Such resources definitely have a place but neither at the cost of ignoring nor of bypassing the wealth of skills and experiences available among our peasant pastors as well as our laity.
Every region is blessed with untold and untapped lodes of wealth available for our use.
Too few leaders realize how many persons, both lay and clergy, desire to render meaningful contributions to the church beyond the congregation, but they either do not know how to make their desires known or have never be approached. Third, adult education must again become primary. A good case can be made that adult education served as the basic form of religious education in New Testament churches. Knowledgeable Christian adults constitute the most effective group the church employs since they regularly contact other adults as well as children and youth. Through Lay Institute they have been empowered to witness with more than a second or third grade level of knowledge, understanding, and faith.