Education for Ministry (EfM) Interest Gathering
Sunday, June 22, 2025
12:15 p.m. • South Parish Hall
If you are interested in learning more about EfM and possibly joining one of the classes or the EfM Alumni group (for graduates of EfM), come to the EfM Interest Gathering on Sunday June 22 after the 11 am Worship Service (around 12:15 p.m.) in the South Parish Hall.
This meeting will be an opportunity to hear more about EfM, to ask questions, to meet with the EfM Mentors, and talk with members of the EfM community. If you cannot make the meeting but are interested in EfM, please contact Trent Palmer to let him know, even if you think you are already on the EfM interest list. Trent can be reached at trentpalmer (at) sbcglobal.net or
479-530-0947.
A little more information about EfM - Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year course in Christian education, formation, and discernment that participants commit to one year at a time.
EfM is not a lecture course, but rather an opportunity to share insights and struggle with questions from the assigned readings in a community of fellow learners; to reflect theologically on the Christian tradition, daily life experiences, and the larger world; and to join an intimate and accepting learning community.
EfM was developed by Sewanee (The University of the South) and exposes its participants to the core components of a rigorous theological education. Year one students engage with The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), year two - the New Testament, year three - Church history, and year four – ethics and spirituality. Ideally, there are students from all 4 years learning together as a community, which creates a very dynamic learning experience.
EfM is the most advanced course of study for lay people in the Episcopal Church. While the course content is intellectually challenging, its goal is to create a safe space where participants are encouraged to ask real questions, explore their faith and beliefs in-depth, and ultimately to discover their unique vocations as baptized and formed Christians. On top of all of that, EfM is fun and profoundly engaging!
EfM is now in the process of unveiling a revised EfM curriculum for the next decade that brings together what EfM has done so well for the past 50 years while also incorporating new ways to engage with the course materials. This fall EfM will make a shift from a textbook focused curriculum toward a multimedia learning experience. This means participants will read carefully selected and thoughtful texts, as we have in the past, but will also listen to podcasts and music, look at visual art, and watch videos and movie segments, for example, as part of the learning experience.
EfM students will not receive grades or educational credit for the course, but they are expected to make attendance and preparation for class a top priority. EfM classes typically meet weekly and last 2.5 to 3 hours. The course schedule follows the academic calendar with breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas (2 weeks), Spring Break and Summer. The class size is limited to no less than 6 and no more than 12 students, so that significant conversations and opportunities for reflection are possible.
The course fee is $367.50 per student yearly, which includes access to the online, multimedia course platform, Pathwright. There are also texts the student will need to purchase at their own expense ($50-$100). There are limited, partial scholarships available, so please let Trent Palmer know ASAP if you would like to inquire about receiving a scholarship.
Sincerely,
Your EfM Mentors
Tuesday evening EfM– Haley Hixson and Susie Norys
Thursday afternoon EfM– Trent Palmer and Debby Griffin
Tuesday evening EfM Alumni Group – Jim Norys and David Kelley