Christian Formation

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a Christian formation program for laypeople, developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South Sewanee. EfM provides a foundation of theological education rooted in study of scripture and Christian tradition, spiritual practice, and theological reflection in small seminar groups. EfM is more than just study. EfM helps participants explore their faith and deepen their spiritual lives, engage deeply and develop knowledge and understanding of the ministry we all share, as they discern how God is calling them to serve in the world through their own individual ministry(ies). In many dioceses, EfM also forms part of the preparation for the diaconate

How it Works

EfM may be experienced in two ways: EfM Classic and EfM Wide Angle

  • EfM Classic is the four-year experience offered since 1975. Participants commit to just one year at a time.
    • The four Classic years:
      • Year 1: The Hebrew Bible / Old Testament and Apocrypha
      • Year 2: The New Testament
      • Year 3: Church History
      • Year 4: Christian Ethics and Spirituality
  • EfM Wide Angle is the one-year experience offered since 2025. One year and done.
    • A sampling of all things EfM
    • For people seeking a lower intensity, lower commitment formation path and EfM alums

EfM Classic and Wide Angle both follow EfM’s Core Practices of: Living in Community; Prayer and Worship; Study of Christian Tradition; Theological Reflection; and Vocational Discernment.

  • What is an EfM seminar group?

    A seminar group consists of one or two mentors accredited by the University and up to 12 participants. Seminar groups can be all Classic, or all Wide Angle, or blended. Seminar groups can meet onsite at a venue, or online on Zoom, or some of both.

    The seminar group offers context, conversation and community for:

    • Exploring faith matters and big meaning-making questions of faith and life.
    • Finding one’s own ways of being and doing in response to baptismal promises and God’s call.
    • Worship, pathfinding, formation, sustaining, and transformation.

  • What is the time commitment?

    Participants commit only to one year of EfM at a time.

    Groups meet weekly up to 36 times, typically over the course of 9-10 months (with breaks). Most groups start in September, and some start in January. Meetings are 2-3 hours. There’s independent work (“homework”) between seminars, but there are no papers, tests or grades.

  • What does EfM cost?

    Participants pay an annual course fee for the EfM syllabus and study guide and also purchase their own books. Your Diocesan Coordinator for EfM or your group’s mentor can provide cost details.

To learn more, download the EfM Program Overview 2026-2027 or visit EfM on the Sewanee website.

New York groups may be found here: EfM Groups in the Diocese of New York April 2026

Key Contacts

Liza Page Nelson

EfM Diocesan Coordinator

Contact