Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program in Canada is a course in theology for lay persons from all walks of life, designed to help participants:
● learn to think theologically
● develop a sound basis for their own personal theology
● increase their knowledge of the Scriptures
● discern and explore personal calls to lay ministry
EfM enables Christian people to explore their faith within a small group setting, in ways that they can apply to the realities of contemporary life.
There is no imposed theology: participants are encouraged to explore their own theologies based on their study, interaction with their colleagues, and the realities of Christian life and practice in their communities in the contemporary world.
The entire program is 4 years in length and classes are typically one night per week during the “academic” year. Participants enroll for only 1 year at a time.
Year 1 – Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)
Year 2 - New Testament
Year 3 - History of the Church
Year 4 - Theological Choices (modern movements in theology)
Recruitment is beginning now for candidates wishing to begin Year 1 in January 2015.
For further information, please visit the EfM website at www.efmcanada.ca, or contact your local clergy, or Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles (EfM mentor) at awboyles@hotmail.com).
Click through for FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites?
No. You are not required to have a prior educational credential in order to enroll in EfM – simply a desire to know more about the history, ethos and teachings of the Christian faith, and a willingness to engage in open dialogue within an environment of trust and support.
Do I have to take all 4 years?
No, but you must begin with Year 1 and take them in sequence.
How much does it cost?
The cost to a congregant of the Diocese is $350 per year plus the cost of textbooks for the year ($25 - $50 depending on the year). This includes a subsidy from the Diocese as sponsoring body.
Who is the teacher?
There is no “teacher” per se. EfM uses an adult education model of guided discussion and personal reading and research, based on the 4-year syllabus. A trained “mentor” functions as a guide through the course content, facilitator of group interaction and coordinator of activities, in consultation with the participants. The group is expected to establish its own acceptable behavioral “norms” and participate pro-actively in applying and maintaining them.
How does it work? Do the various years meet separately?
All the participants meet together with occasional smaller group work. Each EfM group is composed of between 6 and 12 persons. The course content is carefully structured so that in each lesson there are parallel learnings in each of the 4 years, even though the content is quite different. All four years run concurrently and the readings for each year comment on, expand and elucidate the learnings of the other years. It’s a very effective adult learning system.
Is there formal recognition of completion of the course?
A certificate is awarded by the University of the South (who developed and publish the course) to those who complete all four years. The certificate is presented by the Bishop at a graduation service held annually in June.
● It will give you a sound working knowledge of Christian scriptures, Church history, Anglican Church history, and the development of theological thought throughout the ages.
● It will stimulate interest in many areas not only of theology, but of philosophy, history, literature, music, worship practices, archeology, geography and sociology, among others.
● It will provide you with a support group in your study, living-into and working-out of your faith.
● It may challenge your assumptions and open up new possibilities.
● You will almost certainly have a great deal of fun with great colleagues.
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