The Lasco Institute is named after the first-generation Protestant reformer John à Lasco (1499 – 1560, also Jan Łaski). Lasco led Reformed groups of German, French, Dutch, English, and Polish heritage, groups that were often small, persecuted, and isolated. He helped them organize and apply biblical doctrine to the practicalities of life in Christian communities, and his catechism was widely used to teach children the Christian faith.

In view of God’s grace through the work of John à Lasco, the founders of the Lasco Institute hope that, amid the many small groups of believers scattered throughout the Finger Lakes region, God will raise up a generation of believers who systematically apply the theology of the Reformation to the entire life of the family, church, and community.