About EfM

What Is EfM?

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a small-group faith formation program that invites people into deeper relationship with God through study, prayer, theological reflection, and shared conversation, helping participants discern purpose, calling, and faithful living in everyday life.

EfM groups meeting in-person, online, and in hybrid groups that journey together thoughout the year.

Your Questions Answered

Should I participate in EfM?

Are you looking to deepen your faith? Do you want to know more about the Bible, Christian Tradition, and Church History? Are you hoping to understand how your personal experiences and beliefs bring you closer to God and God’s people?

If you answer “yes” to any the these questions, EfM (Education for Ministry) may be for you.

Who created EfM?

EfM is Christian Formation program founded and administered through the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee. In Canada, EfM is administered by EfM-Canada, a program of the Diocese of Kootenay. Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups gather to  journey together through scripture, church history, and theology; and to deepen their understanding of the faith journey.

What is an EfM seminar and who can participate?

A seminar group consists of an accredited mentor and participants. The group gathers during the course of a year to engage material, respond collectively to what they have studied, then to reflect theologically on what they have learned.

What happens in an EfM seminar?

During an EfM  seminar, the group builds an intentional faith-seeking small group by doing the following:

  • Check-in: How has the group encountered and responded to God since the last seminar?

  • Worship: Participants lead worship.

  • Reflect theologically: After agreeing upon a shared focus, the group examines tradition and culture, paired with experiences and beliefs, concluding with implications for action.

  • Study: Participants discuss insights, challenges, “aha” moments of assigned engagement materials.

  • Hospitality: The group spends time in fellowship.

What are the EfM seminar details?
  • The program takes four years, of 36 weeks each, to complete.
  • Led by a trained EfM mentor, groups of six to twelve participants meet approximately weekly.
  • Participants commit to one year at a time.
  • The program study focus by year:
      1. Hebrew Bible
      2. New Testament
      3. History of the Christian Church
      4. Theology, ethics and interfaith encounter
What else does EfM offer?

In addition to the four-year program, EfM Canada offers Wide Angle, a one-year overview designed for those who would like a broad survey of the Old and New Testaments, Church history, and theology in a single year. It provides a strong foundation and a taste of the full EfM experience, with the same emphasis on reflection and theological conversation.

EfM Canada also offers a Continuing Education Group for graduates who wish to continue meeting in a structured seminar setting. This option allows participants to keep engaging scripture, tradition, and contemporary issues in community, deepening theological reflection and sustaining the habit of thoughtful Christian formation.

How To Register

Getting started with EfM is simple. Visit our registration page to find enrollment details, required forms, and next steps. Whether you’re new to EfM or returning for another year, everything you need to begin is just a click away.

Registration Details

Questions About Your EfM Journey?

Have questions or wondering if EfM is right for you? We’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about groups, formats, and what to expect as you begin or continue your EfM journey.

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