Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year advanced study course developed within the Episcopal Church. More than 80 dioceses of the Episcopal Church have initiated EfM groups, as have other denominations.
Our EfM group that had been meeting here at Epiphany finished its four-year cycle, and we do not have a group meeting on site now. Instead, we invite and encourage interested church members to enter into the study led by Father Wells at St Dunstan’s in Auburn. Currently, Mike Harber and Sharon Cleary from our congregation are participating in the study at St Dunstan’s.
The EfM curriculum is broad, comprehensive, and robust. The focus of each year’s study is as follows:
Year One – Old Testament
Year Two – New Testament
Year Three – Church History
Year Four – Theological Choices
EfM uses a “one room schoolhouse” model for study. That is, a single group may have some participants studying the year one curriculum and other participants studying the year three curriculum. All study together, however, on the “Common Lessons” that focus on theological reflection. All study together, as well, as the group seeks to discern God’s call for each member’s unique ministry. If you’re interested in learning more about EfM, let Father Wells know, and he will provide you all the information you need.
In addition, here is the “home page” for EfM on the site of Sewanee: The University of the South.
