Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of theological education by extension for lay people. Last year we introduced a new revised program of study called EfM: Classic. There are four years of study, but participants commit for one year at a time, meeting in small groups with a trained mentor. The program combines academic study with integrative components to help participants take what they learn about Scripture, church history, theology and ethics into their own lives and hearts, supporting them in living out a vibrant baptismal ministry in the church and in the world. EfM is also available for those who are unable to attend local classes via Zoom.
We also introduced a new, one-year program called EfM Wide Angle which is a one-year program that gives participants a taste of each of the classic four years. Wide Angle participants can either be brought into a traditional seminar group as a 5th voice or create a standalone group. This may not be offered by all mentors.
If you are interested in joining an EfM group or wish to learn more, please contact a local mentor or David Harrison, the Diocesan EfM Coordinator and EfM Canada Online Coordinator, via email (djh@djharrison.ca) David can put you in contact with a local mentor or provide you information if you are interested in EfM Online.
Currently we have one face-to-face group based in HRM mentored by the Rev David Fletcher. This group meets on Saturdays at St Andrew’s, Cole Harbour. Rev Fletcher is interested in creating a second group based on “Wide Angle” if there is sufficient interest.
David Harrison mentors an online group with the majority of members from our diocese plus other participants from across Canada. This group meets on Sunday afternoons starting at 4:00pm. If there is enough interest (at least 6 people) I will create another online class on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:00pm. If there is interest in “Wide Angle” those participants would be integrated into the regular class.
If you are interested in becoming an EfM Mentor, you need to take training. Registration for this is now open, but as spaces are very limited, this must be done immediately. Please contact David Harrison for more information: djh@djharrison.ca Mentor trainings are being scheduled now. To be a Mentor, you need to either: be a graduate of the EfM program or be a member of the clergy.
Registration for both EfM Classic and Wide Angle is scheduled to open on July 1 at www.efmcanada.ca . Tuition is $350.00 per year, you must contact a mentor prior to registering.
More information on Education for Ministry can be found here: https://www.efmcanada.ca/
David Harrison, djh@djharrison.ca
EfM Diocesan Coordinator, EfM Canada Online Coordinator