Education for Ministry

Every baptized Christian is called to ministry. EFM provides the education to carry out that ministry. It is a program of theological education by extension sponsored by The School of Theology of the University of the South.

Students work with Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and Christian Testament (New Testament), critical biblical interpretation, church history, ethics, liturgies, and theology. The program takes four years to complete. Students register for one year at a time.

Learning takes place in a small group atmosphere. EFM groups must have at least six, but not more than eleven, students and a mentor. There are weekly readings, optional spiritual exercises, and weekly seminar meetings. In the seminar meeting studentsê share their faith journeys and reflects on issues from their lives, their ministries, and their studies.

EFM is based upon the presupposition that adult education takes place best when the student is responsible for his or her own learning. There are no tests or papers to write. Students choose the amount of time they want to spend on their weekly readings and exercises.

What will you get from EFM? It will simply change your life. You will move from "knowing about" God to a personal relationship with God. You're understanding of and reaction to life experiences will be fundamentally changed. Ask any of the graduate about what the program means to them: Chris Cottam, Caroyln Hust, JoJo Morris, Debra Harrington, Joycie Wren, Lou Richardson, Peggy Sorrells, Rick Parker, Wynn Callaway or Jim Morton.

The School of Theology of the University of the South Official EFM site