EfM 2024

ARE YOU SENSING A CALL . . . to deepen your faith and nurture your desire to serve others? Education for Ministry – EfM – is a program of study and reflection in a small group where we explore our relationship with God and with our baptismal call to serve others as lay ministers. Here’s what one of our EfM graduates has to say: ‚ÄúYou’ll come face-to-face with the central questions of existence, examine biblical criticism, and consider who God is and what God means to you. I now pursue these questions independently using the tools and resources I learned. You’ll do so, too.‚Äù We have several spaces available for the coming year. To learn more, contact mentor Jane Dowrick at efmvirginia@gmail.com or 804-334-0117.

More info about EfM can be found here. 

Why I recommend EfM by Mary Lou Lee:

I felt so fortunate to be able to enroll in the EfM program at St. James’s soon after completing Pilgrim’s Path and becoming an Episcopalian.¬†I had been a Baptist and a Presbyterian.¬†Every church denomination governs itself a bit differently, but church membership is eventually about finding fellowship with others who love God.¬†EfM specializes in both.¬†We studied the bible, Christian history and the Episcopal organization.¬†It was exactly what I needed.¬†It is also a lot of hard work, but the learning and wisdom gained are worth the time invested on all levels.¬†I got to know myself better and thoroughly enjoyed the shared wisdom in our sessions.

Mary Lou Lee

Why I recommend EfM by Jay Sandusky:

EfM changed my life. 

It introduced me to a remarkable group of people who I remain friends with to this day. 

It broadened my view of the Bible. 

It helped me see people Рand the world Рin new and more open-minded ways. 

And it made me think about how I might be God’s hands in the world.¬†

Going into EfM, I would have considered achieving even one of those things a success. The fact that EfM affected me in so many ways was a complete surprise Рand the reason why I so enthusiastically recommend it to anyone. 

Over the course of the four years, you’ll witness yourself – and everyone in the group – change in ways big and small. You’ll feel your relationships get more profound. You’ll find your understanding of your faith to be both more clear – and more nuanced. And you’ll be proud for making the commitment to yourself and to everyone in the group.¬†

Bring an open mind, a tender heart, and the desire to challenge yourself. I promise, it’ll change your life too.¬†

Jay Sandusky

Why I recommend EfM by Bennette Burks:

My training in Christianity was a creole stew of childhood Catechism, miscellaneous lectures, and a smattering of books, pamphlets, and bible readings. I understood the basics—or so I thought—but shrugged at the rest. EfM changed all of that.

Yes, it’s a four-year commitment, but it’s worth every moment. The first two years are reviews of the Old and New Testaments. Lots of reading but a thorough grounding in the history, background, and context to our source document. The third year is a history of the Christianity to the present. Yes, the book is long and can be tedious in parts but is a treasure chest of knowledge. Don’t be surprised if you develop a strong interest int Roman and European history.

The first three years, for me, were a prelude to the fourth year, which is spent on pure theology. Great stuff! You’ll come face-to-face with the central questions of existence, examine biblical criticism, and consider who God is and what he means to you. I now pursue these questions independently using the tools and resources I learned. You’ll do so, too.

Did I mention the close friendships you will develop? EfM is a wonderful bonding experience of like-minded but diverse individuals coming together for a common purpose. Participants begin each year writing about their spiritual histories, which are read to the class. I was amazed at how I developed as the classes worked their magic. More importantly, I was honored to learn my classmates’ histories and observe their journeys just as they had learned and observed mine.

EfM is a commitment, no doubt about it. EfM is also a rewarding experience if you find yourself continually vexed by nagging desires to know more about the religion you practice. I urge you to consider it.

Bennette Burks