{"id":48351,"date":"2021-08-25T10:03:25","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T14:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/?page_id=48351"},"modified":"2025-05-13T13:12:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T17:12:22","slug":"education-for-ministry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/education-for-ministry\/","title":{"rendered":"Education for Ministry"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-4-percent&#8221; 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background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;small_depth&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p\"><strong>Why do you believe what you believe?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p\"><strong>How are your beliefs manifest in the way you live?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"p\"><strong>What does it mean to be a Christian today?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; 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column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;SEEK ANSWERS THROUGH STUDY, REFLECTION, AND COMMUNITY.&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23d92829|line_height:50px&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<p class=\"p\">Every Christian is called to ministry at baptism. But \u201cministry\u201d can\u2014and does\u2014mean something different for every Christian. <em>Education for Ministry (EfM)<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em>is a unique distance-learning certificate program created by Sewanee School of Theology at the University of the South.\u00a0 Since 1975, EfM has led thousands of Christians across the country and around the world more deeply into their baptismal identities\u2014some have been helped to discern calls to further study and ordained ministry, but most have been enriched and empowered to minister confidently and effectively in their day-to-day lives.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<p class=\"p5\"><strong><span class=\"s2\">EfM Classic <\/span><\/strong>focuses on the Hebrew Bible (Year 1), the New Testament (Year 2), Church History (Year 3), Theology, interfaith encounter, and ethics (Year 4).\u00a0\u00a0The new curriculum\u00a0\u00a0is designed on a multimedia platform. Preparation for each class takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<p class=\"p5\"><strong><span class=\"s2\">EfM Wide Angle<\/span><\/strong> is a new one-year program embedded in EfM that shares EfM core practices and takes a wider look at the material in the 4 years of EfM Classic.\u00a0\u00a0It can be taken alone, or at the beginning the middle, or at the end of EfM Classic.\u00a0\u00a0It is designed to include accessible books and media, a variety of voices, and to take 90 minutes at most generally to prepare.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;medium&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;View EfM\u2019s Common Lessons for this year&#8221; margin_right=&#8221;10&#8243; url=&#8221;https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1ZFdtV1KtzJdtsJSPrqpg3CdtJi2VcOK3\/view?usp=share_link&#8221;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;medium&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;View EfM\u2019s Core Texts for this year&#8221; margin_right=&#8221;10&#8243; url=&#8221;https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1vqbztOuVjtD6kReOvyL6mOA_D-CxxcPF\/view?usp=share_link&#8221;][toggles style=&#8221;minimal&#8221;][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;What can I expect from EfM?&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<ul>\n<li>A safe, confidential space to ask questions, share doubts, and identify, reflect on, and share significant events in your faith life<\/li>\n<li>A deeper knowledge and understanding of Scripture, Church history, and Christian theology and spirituality<\/li>\n<li>An ability to reflect theologically on culture, current events, and personal experience, as well as on the Christian tradition and your own beliefs<\/li>\n<li>A transformed understanding of your relationship to God, the church, and our culture at large<\/li>\n<li>An evolving sense of personal call and theology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;What will be expected of me?&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<ul>\n<li>An open heart and open mind<\/li>\n<li>Sincere seeking and honest inquiry<\/li>\n<li>A good-faith commitment to the life and work of the group, including weekly meetings ( 2 1\/4 hours long), 2 retreats, and regular independent reading and reflection (about 2-4 hours per week)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;What else do I need to know?&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<ul>\n<li><strong>EfM is a four-year program, one year at a time.<\/strong>\u00a0It is not necessary to commit to the full four years of study when you join, (although it is our hope that you will!). New members must begin at Year One, however. If you are exploring EfM for continuing education or in preparation for the diaconate, certain attendance requirements do apply.<\/li>\n<li><strong>EfM is a 36-week program.<\/strong>\u00a0New Yorkers are busy, we get that! For the health of the group, we hope you will prioritize EfM and try to attend at least 30 sessions. Please speak with the co-mentors if you have concerns about your schedule and we&#8217;ll help you determine whether EfM will be a good fit for you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>EfM is a program of Sewanee School of Theology.\u00a0<\/strong>The program is designed and administered by Sewanee. Sewanee trains and accredits mentors, and develops and designs materials and curriculum. There is a $375\u00a0 annual tuition to cover the costs of materials and administration . Members may transfer between groups (which exist in more than 90 dioceses throughout the US) should they relocate.<\/li>\n<li><strong>EfM is not &#8220;Bible Study.&#8221;<\/strong>\u00a0Although Years One and Two take students deeply into Scripture (and indeed, all four years are steeped in the Word), members must be prepared to engage their hearts as well as their minds. Reflection and personal application is the ultimate aim of the program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][\/toggles][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; top_margin=&#8221;33&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p class=\"p\">Interested parishioners and non-parishioners are invited to\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:wendywade47@gmail.com\">contact parishioner Wendy Wade<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p\"><a href=\"http:\/\/efm.sewanee.edu\/about-efm\/about-efm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about EFM online.<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-4-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-48351","page","type-page","status-publish"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48351"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/48351\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}