Education for Ministry – Not Just Another Bible Study
Since September, four Grace parishioners and I have been participating in Education for Ministry, better known as EfM. EfM is like a Bible study, but it isn’t a typical Bible study. It is “a unique four year small group program that focuses on the study and practice of theological reflection.” In other words, we seekers are learning to explore sacred texts and literature in order to know God more fully. Through meditative reading and listening, sharing and discussing, we explore what amazes, bothers, confuses and delights us. At the end of each weekly session, we collaborate on a theological reflection and a collect that expresses what we have gleaned from our reflection.
I have found that the weekly reading assignments spark my imagination and invite me to ponder the questions that come up as I read. Plus, I have grown to love and trust my fellow EfMers. We don’t always share the same views, and that’s okay. The sacred space created by the EfM mentors provides safety for us to have different perspectives, and at the same time, allows us to see who we are to each other – brothers and sisters in Christ. How wonderful is that!
I’ll be honest with you – EfM is a commitment of time and energy, but don’t let that stop you from embracing this opportunity to explore the mystery of Scripture in a deep and personal way. A new year of EfM study will begin this Fall. For more information, go to https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry/. If you would like more information about Grace’s EfM group, please contact one of the EfM mentors, Carl Ferguson at carleferguson@gmail.com or Donna Yaughn at dyaughn.grace@gmail.com. They can help you decide if EfM is right for you.
Blessings!
Sister Genevieve Lynn