As the present academic year comes to a close for the summer, the time has come to begin recruiting new members for the St. Andrew's EfM (Education for Ministry) program.

Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be "a minister," but our vows at baptism and confirmation support something different because all baptized Christians are called to be ministers. God calls all of us to be active participants in the whole ministry of the church.

What is that ministry? The church is called to continue the ministry of Jesus, who reconciled the world to God. We are call lead to incarnate that reconciliation in our own time and in our own place through worship, in service to others, and by proclamation of God's Word to all people. The EfM program is designed to help Christian lay people prepare for that ministry.

What is the Education for Ministry Program?

EfM is a distance learning theological education program of the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Participants commit one year at a time to meet regularly in seminars led by a trained mentor. Completion of the program takes 4 years, during which participants study the Bible, church history, theology and ethics.

What is the purpose of EfM?

EfM provides a comprehensive, experiential education in the foundations and message of our Christian faith.

Who participates in EfM?

EfM is for the laity of the church. Every Christian receives the call to Christ's ministry at baptism. EfM provides the basics of a theological education in order to develop knowledge and confidence about the ministry we all share. Since its beginning in 1975, thousands throughout the United States and overseas have participated in EfM.

Why do people participate in EfM?

Many desire to increase their knowledge of the Christian heritage. Some want to continue their spiritual formation, or they wish to prepare for special lay ministries. People have joined EfM and become involved in social ministries, worked in nursing homes and hospices, become better church school teachers, lay readers, Christian education and church leaders. EfM is also a way to prepare for seminary studies or participate in local ordination programs.

How does EfM work?

Each seminar group of 6 to 12 students is led by a mentor. The group usually meets once a week during a 9-month cycle to reflect theologically, discuss the materials they have read, and to worship together. Students follow a lesson and a study guide which are to be read each week. There are no tests or papers to write because education takes place when the student is responsible for his or her own learning. For those unable to join a local seminar group EfM is now available on-line.

Who are mentors?

Mentors are men and women from a variety of professions who have engaged in serious religious study. They are comfortable with helping others express their points of view and have the ability to lead a group effectively. EfM mentors complete an 18-hour training session in order to qualify to lead a seminar group. They must be re-accredited every 18 months.

Why does EfM work?

EfM works because people are hungry for theological education. It works because the program comes to the students in his or her home town and provides credible scholarship, carefully supported by a tried and tested educational design. EfM works because it adapts to a variety of situations under a wide range of leadership styles and expectations from students.

What does EfM do for the church?

Graduates of EfM fulfill many ministries and bring to the church a laity better prepared to make decisions and fulfill the great Commission - to bring Christ to the world - in an effective and loving way. EfM's 24,000 plus graduates have become source of informed, committed, and prepared leadership for the church.

There are presently some 80,000 students enrolled in EfM.

Where is EfM used? EfM has contracts with most dioceses of the Episcopal Church. It is also used among Methodists, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Disciples of Christ. EfM is found in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, New Zealand and in Europe.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the EfM program, or have further questions, please contact Mentors Nancy Phillips - 870/453-7093, or Kathy McClellan - 870/430-5071.