Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. During the Service of Confirmation, we ask God to “Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them.”
EfM is a four-year course of theological study sponsored by Sewanee’s School of Theology, designed for lay people seeking a greater understanding and knowledge of the Bible, history of Christianity, and the theological foundation of the Episcopal Church. Persons in discernment for the priesthood or deaconate are encouraged to become part of the EfM program.
Much of the EfM course centers around theological reflection, which begins with one’s spiritual autobiography and leads into study and discussion of a wide range of topics. The benefit is to help us to see life and our faith with a deeper understanding and with a broad perspective.
EfM study courses begin with a two-year study of the Bible: Year One is the Old Testament, and Year Two is the New Testament. Year Three is History of Christianity, including the millennium leading up to the birth of Christ. Year Four is theology and philosophy.
EfM classes meet Wednesday evenings September through May, the schedule roughly following the traditional school calendar. Class size is 8 to 12 students. If you are interested in learning more about EfM, contact Andy Akin at [email protected] or Eric Kidwell at [email protected] or by visiting http://efm.sewanee.edu/.