EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM) at St. Matthew's

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a weekly small-group program that helps lay people explore scripture, deepen their faith, and connect with others on a shared spiritual journey. At St. Matthew’s, we offer both the classic four-year track and a new one-year overview, designed to make Christian formation accessible and transformational for all.

What is EfM?

Whether you're new to the church or a lifelong learner, EfM gives you the tools to reflect, ask questions, and live out your faith with purpose.

Offered by the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee), EfM meets weekly in seminar-style groups led by trained mentors.

Why Choose EfM?

Engage with Scripture and Theology: EfM combines Bible study, church history, and theological education, helping you build a strong foundation in the Christian faith.
Discover Your Purpose: EfM encourages you to uncover how God is at work in your life and community, empowering you to live out your unique calling.
Build Lifelong Connections: EfM groups provide a safe, supportive environment where participants can share openly, learn together, and form lasting friendships.

What's New in EfM for 2025-2026?

EfM is launching a fully revised curriculum for the upcoming year. It’s more accessible, more flexible, and more engaging than ever before.

All New Texts and Resources

Nearly every book in the 4-year Classic program has been updated.
New authors and voices reflect diverse perspectives and modern scholarship.

Spiritual Sojourner Themes

Each year now includes shared reflections from a featured spiritual guide. For 2025-2026, we'll journey with the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary's in Sewanee, TN.

Community Gathering Lessons

Participants will engage with short films, podcasts, and the book God's Joyful Surprise by Sue Monk Kidd as part of nine shared Common Lessons across all years.

EfM Wide Angle: One-Year Christian Formation Track

A one year introduction to all things EfM.

Looking for a flexible, modern way to explore your faith? EfM: Wide Angle offers the full seminar experience of EfM in a one-year format—no long-term commitment required.

EfM: Wide Angle was designed to provide a rich introduction to Christian formation using diverse learning resources and a manageable weekly rhythm. It’s perfect for:

Those who want to try EfM without enrolling in the four-year Classic track
EfM graduates who wish to stay connected to their group and continue reflecting together
People new to adult faith formation who prefer a less academic, more exploratory approach
Participants looking for multimedia-based learning—with videos, podcasts, blogs, and short readings
Busy schedules! Weekly prep time is just 60–90 minutes

EfM: Wide Angle covers major themes of the spiritual journey—including the Old and New Testaments, Christian history, spirituality, and ethics while staying true to EfM’s core practices of worship, reflection, and theological conversation.

It’s a gentle on-ramp for first-time participants, a re-entry for alumni, and a dynamic option for anyone eager to grow in faith and community.

EfM: Classic - Four-Year Christian Formation Program

EfM Classic is the heart of Education for Ministry—a comprehensive, four-year program that invites lay people into a deeper understanding of their faith, Scripture, and call to ministry in daily life.

Participants meet weekly in small seminar groups to engage in worship, theological reflection, guided conversation, and shared learning. Over the course of four years, you’ll move through an intentional sequence of study:

Year 1: The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)
Year 2: The Christian Scriptures (New Testament)
Year 3: Christian History and Tradition
Year 4: Christian Ethics and Contemporary Spirituality

Each year includes 36 sessions: 27 focused on core readings and 9 “Common Lessons” shared across all participants, regardless of year. These Common Lessons include:

Spiritual Sojourner essays, such as reflections from the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary’s (2025–26 guide)
Multimedia content: videos, essays, and podcasts curated to inspire spiritual insight and discussion
Shared reading, including a community-wide book (this year’s: God’s Joyful Surprise by Sue Monk Kidd)

EfM Classic blends academic study with real-life application. You’ll explore how scripture, history, and theology intersect with your own experiences, and how your faith can be lived more intentionally in your work, relationships, and community.

This is not just a Bible study or a history course—it’s a transformative journey that helps you connect your head and your heart, your faith and your actions.

Who is it for?
EfM Classic is ideal for:

Adults who want a deep dive into Christian faith and tradition
Those discerning a call to deeper lay ministry or spiritual leadership
Lifelong learners eager to build theological literacy in a supportive, reflective setting