Education for Ministry: A Program of Theological Education Sponsored by the Diocese
EfM AND OUR CALL TO MINISTRY
All baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the church’s vocation to continue the ministry of Jesus; for that, one needs an understanding of Scripture and an awareness of the church through history as the Body of Christ. As the emphasis on lay ministry has grown, Education for Ministry has come to play an important role in Christian formation by providing a program that develops an informed and knowledgeable laity that is confident and inspired to serve as Christ served. EfM is a unique 4-year program that prepares participants for the ministry to which we are all called by virtue of our baptism.
While EfM is a comprehensive 4-year program, one only needs to commit to one year (36 weeks) of study at a time. The first year covers the study of the Old Testament, the second year the New Testament, the third year Church History, and the fourth year studies Theology. Some participants may take a year or more off after finishing a year or two or three and return later to the program to finish as suits one’s schedule. In the event a participant moves during the academic year, one may transfer to another group.
Visit the Education for Ministry website for more information or contact Maine’s coordinator, Emily Jenks.
EfM TAKES PLACE LOCALLY OR ONLINE IN A SMALL GROUP, GUIDED BY A TRAINED MENTOR
The EfM experience is rich and enjoyable because the discussion of lessons and theological reflection* take place in community, with participants making connections and sharing their insights. Small groups of 6-12 people meet once a week, September through June, and usually take holidays off.
BASIC INFORMATION
- EfM Program creator: EfM was developed in 1975 by the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee. Visit the EfM website.
- EfM Groups recently meeting in Episcopal Churches in Maine:
- St. John Baptist, Thomaston; Mentors – Emily Rotch and Emily Jenks
- Cost of tuition and materials: $325.00 per year; where there is need, partial scholarships available!
- Credits given: Continuing education credits are available; there are no examinations or papers. EfM does not grant college credits.
- For more information about joining an existing group, about starting a new one in your location, or about attending mentor training, contact Emily Jenks, EfM Coordinator, or Emily Keniston, Director of Faith Formation.
- Most common EfM Schedule for the Year in Maine
- September—EfM groups begin their meetings for the year
- December-January—Groups usually break for Christmas during this period
- June—EfM groups begin a summer break
- June-August—Registration for EfM groups beginning in the fall
- November—Mentor training (Currently all training is on Zoom)
*Theological Reflection: An important goal of EfM is that participants will learn to think theologically. Through the program, participants examine their beliefs and their relationship with our culture and Christian tradition, and find that our ministry is within reach wherever we are.