Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as "EFM," is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.

EFM includes study of Old and New Testaments, but it is much more than a Bible study. You will find that EFM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith and your understanding of our Christian heritage, connects you in deep and meaningful ways to a supportive community, and provides you with a new confidence to be Christ's minister in the world. While some dioceses encourage candidates for ordination to complete EFM, it is designed primarily for lay people.

Prospective students at St. Paul's may enroll each spring for seminar groups beginning every fall. For more detailed information about EFM, see http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm or call the resource people listed above. We would love to have you join us!