Education for Ministry

Education for Laity

In one of the closing prayers of the Eucharist, the congregation asks, “And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.” (BCP pg 366). It is a call to vocation, but not necessarily the vocation of ordained ministry. Lay persons, too, need a theological education that supports their faith and also teaches them to express that faith in day-to-day events.

That is the goal of Education for Ministry (EFM), a four-year course developed by and supported by the University of the South at Sewanee TN.

“Lots of us grew up being told how to think theologically,” says Carol Andrews, an EFM mentor and member of St. Francis, San Antonio.  “In the EFM program, no one tells you how to think; you put it all together for yourself in a way that makes sense to you.”

Putting it all together comes through intentional, assigned study and weekly meetings with a seminar group, led by a mentor. Each group is six to 12 participants who study on their own and meet from September to May to share their insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions that the study materials raise for them.

Over the four years, the course covers Old Testament, New Testament, Christian history, and Theological Choices, which is study of particular theologians. But a large part of EFM is theological reflection, when students relate the week’s study to their daily lives. “In an EFM group there is a lot of discerning why we think the way we do and whether that is still appropriate in our lives,” says Andrews.

Seminar groups work under the leadership of mentors who contract to serve as guides and administrators. Mentors must have completed the entire EFM program and be trained initially, then attend continuing training every 12 to 18 months.

In West Texas, some 14 EFM groups are underway in several cities. Most enroll new students only in September; you can see the list of groups and contact persons below.  Ada Sutherland is the diocesan coordinator; contact her at (361) 572-4816.  The next mentor training is September 24-26 at the Mustang Island Conference Center.

Or log on to the EFM website at http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm EFM is also offered online directly from Sewanee. Learn more on the EFM website.  

Find an EFM group in the Diocese of West Texas:

EfM wants YOU! Classes usually run from September - May, but others may start at other times of the year.  All courses are required to run 34-36 weeks a year. To see a list of EfM groups in your area, click here.