EfM Mentor: The Rev. Nancy Streufert

As baptized Christians, we are all called to ministry. Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four year distance seminar certificate program from The University of the South's School of Theology (Sewanee, TN) especially designed to help lay ministers discern their ministries. The program is four years (commitment is year to year) and results in graduation and Holy Eucharist at Trinity Cathedral with the Bishop in June of the fourth year with others around the diocese and a lovely certificate. The small group formation and the journey through the program, however, is what is important, not the piece of paper at the end. EfM is a life-changing experience, with amazing potential to transform Christian disciples in a diverse and trusting community.

Website: http://efm.sewanee.edu/

There are 36 sessions over the school year and the enrollment fee is currently $375 per year, which includes all materials. Commitment is one group meeting a week for 2.5 hours and time to read the assignments (a couple hours or so), which cover the Old and New Testaments in the first and second years respectively, Church History the third year, and Theology, Ethics, and Interfaith Encounter in the fourth year. Participants rotate providing opening/closing worship. Ending in Compline from the Book of Common Prayer is always a great way to close. No tests or papers to write! Two Saturday retreats with Eucharist for worship and silent reflection are held during the busy seasons of Advent and Lent.