Education for Ministry (EfM)

St Paul's EfM Morning Group and              EfM Evening Group

Classes begin Thursday September 23 2010, and are offered weekly on Thursdays, both in the morning and evening.  The morning group meets from 8:45 am - 11:45 am & the evening group meets from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  

Leaders: Laura Boyer Email Laura & Susan Stokes Email Susan

Cost: $350 per academic year

Course Materials:

Year 1: The Old Testament (binder & CD); Common Lessons & Supporting Materials (binder & CD).

Year 2: The New Testament (binder & CD).

Year 3: Church History (binder & CD).

Year 4: Theological Choices (binder & CD).

In addition to the course materials, you will need a good study bible.  EfM references the New Revised Standard Version of the Oxford Bible.  This and other good study bibles are available for purchase in the Canterbury Bookstore.

Comments From St Paul's Participants On Their Experiences with EfM:

"EfM Year 1 has been an incredible experience and a challenging journey.  In addition to deepening my understanding of the Bible, the theological reflections have added an entirely new framework for conversation and exploration of my beliefs.  The guided discussions among a group of individuals that are on a similar path has enabled me to test new understandings and revelations as well as to share with others as they do the same.  I would highly recommend this program to anyone who seeks to further explore and express their faith."  Margo Vuicich, EfM Morning Group.

"This year I embarked on a four year journey!  Meeting weekly, EFM becomes both an educational and a spiritual exercise.  The in-depth study of Scripture is thought provoking, stimulating and, to say the least, challenging.  It requires discipline but the rewards are well worth the time and the effort.  EFM is also a tool for spiritual reflection and encourages one to look at where their ministry is taking them.  Working with, and as part of, a small group allows ample time for bonding, prayer, and good conversations.  EFM has enriched my life, enhanced my knowledge and encouraged growth in my spiritual life."  Sherry Fleming, EfM Morning Group.

About EfM

Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be a 'minister', but our vows at baptism and confirmation support something different, because all baptized Christians are called to be ministers.  God calls all of us to be active participants in the whole ministry of the church.

What is that ministry?  The church is called to continue the ministry of Jesus, who reconciled the world to God.  We are called to incarnate that reconciliation in our own time and in our own place through worship, service to others and by proclamation of God's Word to all people.

The EfM program is designed to help Christian lay people prepare for that ministry.  It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the communion service: "And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."  EfM assists lay people in developing an understanding of their faith through the study of the Bible, church history and theology and by bringing that material into dialogue with the events of everyday life.  EfM encourages lay people to discover and to reflect on that call to ministry in the church and in the world.

EfM is offered through The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee