Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) is an international program of lay theological education offered by Sewanee – The University of the South, one of the main Episcopal seminaries. Participants in the EfM program study the breadth of the Christian tradition from the earliest period to the present. Students learn the disciplines of biblical critical interpretation (exegesis), systematic theology, church history, ethics, liturgics, and ascetical theology. The course spans four years; the first year examines the Old Testament, the second year the New Testament, the third year church history up to 200 years ago, and the fourth year the last two centuries and philosophy in general.

Students belong to small “communities of learning” or seminars in which the events of each person’s life may be examined in the light of the materials being studied.

While the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus of the program is on life as ministry and in understanding that ministry. This can be any ministry, not just the ordained kind.

The EfM program provides Christians with the basic skills in theological reflection, which lay the foundation of Christian ministry. Through this process, students sharpen their skills of personal and cultural assessment and enhance their ability to be effective in a variety of ministries.

The EfM class at Grace Church meets on Tuesday evenings in our library from September until May. Sign-up for the upcoming year is in the summer months, and there is a fee for the class materials. If you are interested, you can contact the EfM Mentor.