What is EfM?
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a transformative four-year program that encourages participants to delve deeply into their faith, engage in theological reflection, and explore their role in the world. While the program spans four years, participants enroll for one year at a time, allowing flexibility in their commitment. Each year covers a specific area of study: the Old Testament, the New Testament, Church History, and Theology, Ethics, and Interfaith Encounter.
One of the core practices of EfM is Theological Reflection (TR). This reflective process invites participants to consider how God is present in their lives and stories. It’s an opportunity to examine faith from various angles and to wrestle with complex questions in a supportive environment.
Commitment
The lifeblood of an EfM group depends on the commitment and engagement of its members. Participating in EfM requires a significant commitment. This includes not only a financial investment but also a commitment of time, presence, and active engagement with the group. However, no prior experience with Bible study is expected or required, making it accessible to anyone with a desire to grow in their faith.
Why Sign Up for EfM?
EfM offers a unique opportunity to explore and deepen your faith in a structured yet flexible environment. Through the process of Theological Reflection and engagement with the materials, you will gain a clearer understanding of your role in the community of saints. EfM encourages you to look at your life, faith, and community through new lenses, leading to personal and spiritual growth.
The program also provides a space to address doubts and questions about faith. Through discussions with others, you will discover that many share similar uncertainties, and together, you can explore these questions in a supportive group setting.
What EfM Isn’t
EfM is not a traditional Bible study or a classroom setting with a teacher. Instead, it’s an exploration of your own faith, facilitated by a mentor who guides rather than instructs. It’s also not group therapy; the focus is on personal reflection and theological exploration rather than on emotional or psychological counseling.
How Does It Work?
- The group meets weekly for a seminar, running for 36 weeks each year. These seminars include prayer, discussion of the readings, theological reflection, and fellowship time.
- We (generally) meet Tuesday evenings at St. John’s for 2-2.5 hours each week.
- Depending on the materials in your year of study, you should expect to spend 2-4 hours each week on your own for independent reading, reflection and study.
- **NEW FOR 2026-27** We have added a second group called EfM: Wide Angle that will meet Sunday afternoons on Zoom.
Cost & Materials
- As a diocesan-sponsored group, the cost of enrollment is $372.75 for the year.
- In addition, participants purchase the texts for their year of study, at their own cost ($50-$100). The texts are widely available online (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.), in either print or digital form, and most can be either purchased or rented.
Who Facilitates?
EfM groups are led by trained and certified mentors, who must renew their certification every 12 months. These mentors are not traditional teachers but facilitators who guide discussions and support the group’s exploration of faith. Our EfM groups at St. John’s are facilitated by Chris Marmora Palmer and Lori Wilson, who are dedicated to guiding participants through this enriching journey of faith.