Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program offered by the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.  It has been offered since 1975 and has grown into a program offered throughout the world.

In a small group setting, participants continue their spiritual journey and discern how they can better share their gifts with those whom they encounter through daily activities.  Listening to others, sharing thoughts and experiences, and responding to the material lead to unique insights regarding relationships with the world and with God.

EfM Curriculum

The EfM curriculum is presented in a cycle of four year-long Paths. The material for each year shifts the focus and offers a new perspective to consider.  The Paths for the coming years are: 

• Path 26-27: Following Jesus

• Path 27-28: Listening to the Spirit

• Path 28-29: Engaging the World

• Path 29-30: The Journey with God

Each path presents weekly assignments, videos, podcasts, and other supporting materials.  Participants will also find questions to spark responses to the materials

EfM Classic Track

Classic EfM offers a four year of participation with each year dedicated to a different focus of church tradition.  Participants sign up for one year at a time and can take a pause, if necessary.   The course of study follows the following order:  

• Year 1-The Old Testament

• Year 2-The New Testament

• Year 3-Church History

• Year 4-Ethics and Spirituality

EfM Wide Angle Track

EfM Wide Angle is a one-year option that uses a unique set of texts to introduce participants are introduced to the principles of EfM and the EfM experience.  EfM Wide Angle is an ideal option for those who are curious about the program, EfM graduates, and even those in EfM Classic to get a different perspective. It is a way to start, come back, or to refocus study throughout the participant’s EfM formation journey.

Participants can expect to spend 2+ hours per week in preparation. While it may not be possible to do everything assigned each week, giving priority to regularly completing as much of the work in the Path as possible will enhance your formation for ministry through study and theological reflection.

Group Seminar Meetings

EfM seminar meets 36 times throughout the year. Each meeting has time allotted for worship, discussion of the readings, and theological reflection.  Although understanding our biblical roots is important, this is not a Bible study.   Guided conversations are intended to help participants respond and internalize the materials.  We meet in person at St. John’s church.  Zoom offers a remote option when circumstances warrant, such as weather or illness.

Costs

The program costs $350, which covers the cost of managing all the content. It is due at the time of registration. Participants are also responsible for obtaining their copies of each year’s texts. Don’t let cost prevent you from joining. Scholarships are available through St. John’s and Good Shepherd, the Diocese of Indianapolis, and Sewanee.

Texts

Wide Angle

• Evans, Rachel Held. 2018. Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again. Cambridge University Press.

• Williams, Rowan. 2016. Being Disciples: The Essentials of the Christian Life Eerdmans.

• Varghese, Winnie. 2016. Church Meets World. Morehouse Publishing.

• Charleston, Steven. 2021. Ladder to the Light. Broadleaf Books.

• Chittister, Joan. 2021. The Monastic Heart:50 Simple Practices for a Contemplative and Fulfilling Life. Convergent Books.

Year 1.  The Hebrew Scriptures

• Jacobson, Rolf A. and Michael J. Chan. 2022 Introducing the Old Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey.  Baker Academic. 

• Freeman, Lindsay Hardin 2023.  Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter, Expanded Second Edition.  Forward Movement Publications.

Year 2 The Christian Scriptures

• Powell, Mark Allan. 2018. Introducing the Old Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey.  Baker Academic. 

• Henze, Matthias 2017.  Mind the Gap: How the Jewish Writings between the Old and New Testament Help Us Understand Jesus.  Fortress Press.

Year 3:  Christian History

• Mullin, Robert Bruce. 2014.  A Short World History of Christianity. John Knox Press.

• Ferguson, Thomas. 2015.  The Episcopal Story: Birth and Rebirth. Morehouse Publishing.

• Gates, Henry Louis, Jr. 2021. The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song. Penguin Publishing Group.

• The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song, a two-episode documentary hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., available from PBS Passport or Prime Video.

Year 4 Christian Ethics and Spirituality

• Bretherton, Luke 2023. A Primer inChristianEthics by Luke. Cambridge University Press.

• Sheldrake, Philip. 2019.  The Spiritual Way: Classical Traditions and Contemporary Practice.  Liturgical Press.

More Information

 Visit https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry/ .

Contact

Maggie McClure  magamcclure@gmail.com

George Moore      gmoore606@gmail.com