Education for Ministry (EfM) at St. John’s

What is Education for Ministry?

As baptized persons, we are called to be lay ministers. The Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer states it this way, “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.”

The journey with God can be challenging, particularly in a world that is ever more complex. Many of us feel lost and ill equipped to discern our call to lay ministry. This is where EfM comes in. EfM is a program designed to support those wanting to explore their lay ministries, both known and yet to be discovered. In a safe and sacred environment, participants are encouraged to explore their faith and beliefs, to share and listen to others, and to deepen their relationship with God.

The program entails four years of participation with each year dedicated to a different focus of church tradition: the Old Testament, the New Testament, Christian history, and Christian ethics and spirituality. Participants sign up for one year at a time and can take a pause if necessary.  

EfM seminar meets 36 times throughout the year. In each seminar meeting, community is strengthened through prayer, study, worship, and reflection. The discussions encourage thoughtful conversation where new insights and discoveries are made. Although understanding our biblical roots is part of the program, this is not a Bible study. The program’s goal is to help participants discover and nurture their gifts of ministry by opening their hearts and minds to God.

Education for Ministry (EfM) at St. John’s and Good Shepherd

The EfM seminar group is preparing for the 2025-26 program year and is seeking individuals who are interested in additional support for their journey with God. We meet on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m., at St. John’s.

The program costs $350, which covers the cost of managing all the content and supporting the mentors. 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.

You can expect to spend 2+ hours per week in preparation. You determine how much time you want to devote. What you put in is what you will get out. Remember, this is not a Bible study or a debate.

EfM alumni are welcome to retake a year. The curriculum has changed over the years and retaking a year might give you a different perspective. Or consider the new Wide-Angle track as an option.

Interested? Want to learn more? If you are interested, visit the EfM website to learn more. For more information about EfM at St. John’s, click HERE for or contact George Moore or Maggie McClure.

Changes to Education for Ministry in 2025-2026

We are excited to share that the University of the South (Sewanee) is rolling out a completely revamped curriculum for EfM. They have selected an entirely new set of reading materials for each year of study. These materials are much more accessible to the lay person. In addition, they have utilized the Pathwright platform to push out the weekly reading assignments. Pathwright also provides a means of sharing videos, podcasts, artwork, and other resources. This capability provides additional flexibility in making updates, corrections, and adding new content.

Additionally, the developers of this program have written improved guidance for discussion topics. I believe this will help all participants in their quest for insight, discovery, and knowledge.

New One Year Option

Some Individuals find it difficult to commit to the four-year classic track of EfM but want to experience EfM. Sewanee responded to this and is launching a one-year track called Wide Angle. Using a unique set of texts, the Wide-Angle track introduces participants to the principles of EfM and a taste of the experience. Those who choose this option can participate with those working on the Classic four-year track. It sounds odd but rest assured, it works.  

New Curriculum Texts

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 in Christian Ethics by Luke. Cambridge University Press.

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

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.