Education for Ministry (EFM) is a program of theological education using materials from the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. This is a four year study resulting in a certificate at completion and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year of study. Students sign up one year at a time. The study covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history and liturgy. Students meet weekly in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors.

The program has been described as a “survey”—that is, it covers the Christian tradition from the early understanding of nomadic people, to the beginnings of the church and ongoing history to the present. Each week participants have a lesson of commentary on the assigned Biblical reading beginning in Genesis 1:1 and going through the Bible (years 1 and 2) . Year 3 looks at early Church Fathers, the Reformation, the evolution of the Church through the 17^th and 18^th centuries, etc. Year 4 covers the 19^th century, touches upon some of the leading theological thinkers of the 19^th and 20^th centuries, and concludes with 21^st century challenges to the church. This is not just an academic exercise; the program encourages each person to examine their lives in light of what they are studying. Often, participants find that a thorough study of the Bible questions some long held beliefs. A vital part of the program is theological reflection—big words for “what does this mean to me today?” How can I take what I am studying and live what I believe? How do my beliefs relate to my culture and traditions and those of our Christian faith?

Is this really important? In a word, “yes”! Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be a “minister.” Actually, all baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the ministry of the church. So what is my ministry? Quite often it is service to others. How do I proclaim the “good news” of my faith to others? How does my vocation or volunteer work reflect my ministry? EFM helps with self discovery which can be exciting and fulfilling. It is empowering to know exactly what you believe and why.

In Corvallis the group meets on Tuesday evenings and we must have at least 6 students and no more than 12. Although there are no papers to prepare and no tests given the expectation is that students attend faithfully and be prepared to discuss and share. The group usually has students in all four years of study and is run much like a “one room school.” A typical evening will begin with one member leading a 10 minute worship followed by questions and sharing of the lessons and participation in an exercise of theological reflection. This group once formed in September will not admit new students until the next September. We meet for 34 weeks during the academic year with the summer off. So within the group there arises a real bond of support and caring for one another. Many students upon completion of the program say how much they miss the weekly meetings.

Annual tuition per student is $340 that covers all costs. The only additional source of reading is the Oxford Annotated Bible. Financial assistance to help with tuition is available through St. Anselm for those in need.

For more information contact Suzette McLain at 541-758-0750 or Jon Goman at St. Anselm at 541-752-3734 or visit http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm