Ministries
EFM - (Education for Ministry)
bobhaase@bresnan.net
What is the Education for Ministry Program?
EfM is a four year distance learning theological education program of the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Participants commit one year at a time to meet regularly in seminars led by trained mentors. During the four years participants study the Bible, Church history, and theology, while learning to engage in theological reflection.
What is the purpose of EfM?
EfM provides a comprehensive, experiential education in the foundations and message of our Christian faith.
Who participates in EfM?
EfM is for the laity of the church. Every Christian receives the call to Christ's ministry at baptism. EfM provides the basics of a theological education in order to develop knowledge and confidence about the ministry we all share. Since its beginning in 1975, thousands throughout the United States and overseas have participated in EfM.
Why do people participate in EfM?
EfM invites people into small, mentored communities that help us understand our lives and shape our actions as we deepen our Christian faith. We believe a gracious God calls us into relationship to serve the world. Through study, prayer, and theological reflection, EfM enables us to discover and exercise our gifts for ministry where we live and work.
What can you expect from EfM?
You will find that EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith and your understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides you with a new confidence to be Christ's minister.
How does EfM work?
Each seminar group of six to twelve students is led by a mentor or co-mentors. The group usually meets once a week during a nine-month cycle to reflect theologically, discuss materials they have read, and to worship together. Students follow a lesson and a study guide which are to be read each week. There are no tests or papers to write because EfM presupposes that adult education best takes place when the student is responsible for his or her own learning. For those unable to join a local seminar group EfM is now available online.
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are men and women from a variety of professions who have engaged in serious religious study. They are comfortable in helping others express their points of view and have the ability to lead a group effectively. EfM mentors complete an 18-hour training session in order to qualify to lead a seminar group.
Why does EfM work?
EfM works because people are hungry for theological education. It works because the program comes to the student in his or her home town and provides credible scholarship, carefully supported by a tried and tested education design. EfM works because it adapts to a variety of situations under a wide range of leadership styles and expectations from students.
What does EfM do for the church?
Graduates of EfM fulfill many ministries and bring to the church a laity better prepared to make decisions and fulfill the Great Commission -- to bring Christ to the world -- in an effective and loving way. EfM's 33,000 plus graduates have become a source of informed, committed, and prepared leadership for the church.
Where is EfM used?
EfM has contracts with most dioceses of the Episcopal Church. It is also used among Methodists, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, and Disciples of Christ. EfM is found in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, New Zealand and in the UK and other countries in Europe.
What kind of credit does EfM give?
The University of the South grants eighteen Continuing Education Units (CEU) for each year of EfM.
How can I get more information?
Contact your local clergy or diocesan office for the name of your EfM coordinator or visit us on the web at http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM
