Education for Ministry (EfM)

2010-2011 EFM Courses

EFM stands for Education for Ministry. It is not a program of preparation for ordination, however, but rather a way to prepare for the kind of ministry each of us is called to when we renew our baptismal vows and state at the end of the Eucharist: “and now Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do.”

EFM is a four-year course of study and participation in small groups designed to deepen our understanding of the Church’s rich heritage. It is more than a bible study, although years 1 and 2 do focus on the bible as a theological resource. Year 3 concentrates on the history of Christianity and year 4 on the history of Christian theology. All of this is tied together in a weekly seminar of theological reflection in which each group examines issues of their choosing and pursues a theological way of understanding those issues and responding to them.

When you join an EFM group you do not necessarily have to commit to the full four years of study, although it is our hope that you will do so. We find that many people do, although a few elect to take a year off when circumstances require it. Because EFM is offered in over 80 dioceses around the country, it is possible to continue in the program if you find that it is necessary to move to another city. Although EFM has been developed by Sewanee Seminary at the University of the South for use in the Episcopal Church, it is also used by other denominations as well.

Currently there are two EFM groups, consisting of six to twelve people, meeting at Saint John’s. One or two trained mentors guide each group through each weekly session. There is a yearly tuition for participation, which is reduced for people in the Diocese of Colorado. Part of this tuition is refundable if you find it necessary to drop out during the year. During the summer Saint John’s will provide information sessions (the dates are not yet determined) where you can find out more about the program.