The Bible speaks clearly to our condition in modem life: We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every kind if doctrine...we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. (Ephesians 4:14a,15b).
In all aspects of our lives, there are bewildering choices to be made and none more than in the area of spirituality. We need practical tools that can help form us as Christians and enable us become more effective in our lives, which will also make us better able to reach others with the Good News.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is one very effective tool for formation and growth - actually, a whole toolkit. A program developed and overseen by the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, EFM uses a multi-pronged approach to help us "grow up in every way into Christ”. Sewanee provides study materials and trained leadership. No background is necessary; this course is open to all adults.
As one EFM-er in our group put it, "being in an EFM group gives a place where you can discuss things of a religious nature in a friendly and caring environment. Your thoughts can be openly discussed without having to worry about judgment." Here are some other comments about EfM from our current group:
It has given me a caring, confidential group that shares my commitment in my faith
Now I'm able to think clearly and not be confused when others make statements based on scripture
The group worship, informal and often very unconventional, is very refreshing to my spiritual life
It's given me deep insights into dealing with other people -- made me more tolerant, more patient, and less judgmental
Now I have greater confidence in answering the questions of children and others about Christianity
How does EFM work? Each EFM class is a mixture: a short worship session or meditation (selected and led by a different student each week), time for each student to discuss what he or she has discovered in the week's lesson (scripture, theology or church history), fellowship and most important of all, TR or theological reflection – a process for integrating what is learned into day-to-day living.
Theological Reflection is the heart of EFM. It's a way of turning a problem or situation over in the group's collective mind, delving deeper and deeper into the matter. Toward the end of the reflection, the group comes to a consensus about implications for future action, and sometimes builds a group prayer about the reflection.
One member says, "Hearing other people's responses in a given reflection often opens whole new avenues of insight to me." Another says, “When we created our first prayer via theological reflection, it was a mind-boggling experience, made me feel closer to my fellow EfM-ers and to God. It was a magnificent way to pray.”
In Theological Reflection people learn to come together and exchange views with others with respect for all, and become adept at using a powerful and practical tool for spiritual discernment.
We invite you to consider whether EFM might be right for you. We have one established EfM group that meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem. There are also plans for an evening group in the Lehigh Valley, a group in Reading, and a group in Susquehanna County. There are no prerequisites except an open mind and the ability to come to class on a regular basis during the next year. We will begin our next EfM course year in September 2013.
If you have any questions or would like more information about EFM, contact Cathy Bailey, 610-442-1189, cbnnp@rcn.com
In all aspects of our lives, there are bewildering choices to be made and none more than in the area of spirituality. We need practical tools that can help form us as Christians and enable us become more effective in our lives, which will also make us better able to reach others with the Good News.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is one very effective tool for formation and growth - actually, a whole toolkit. A program developed and overseen by the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, EFM uses a multi-pronged approach to help us "grow up in every way into Christ”. Sewanee provides study materials and trained leadership. No background is necessary; this course is open to all adults.
As one EFM-er in our group put it, "being in an EFM group gives a place where you can discuss things of a religious nature in a friendly and caring environment. Your thoughts can be openly discussed without having to worry about judgment." Here are some other comments about EfM from our current group:
It has given me a caring, confidential group that shares my commitment in my faith
Now I'm able to think clearly and not be confused when others make statements based on scripture
The group worship, informal and often very unconventional, is very refreshing to my spiritual life
It's given me deep insights into dealing with other people -- made me more tolerant, more patient, and less judgmental
Now I have greater confidence in answering the questions of children and others about Christianity
How does EFM work? Each EFM class is a mixture: a short worship session or meditation (selected and led by a different student each week), time for each student to discuss what he or she has discovered in the week's lesson (scripture, theology or church history), fellowship and most important of all, TR or theological reflection – a process for integrating what is learned into day-to-day living.
Theological Reflection is the heart of EFM. It's a way of turning a problem or situation over in the group's collective mind, delving deeper and deeper into the matter. Toward the end of the reflection, the group comes to a consensus about implications for future action, and sometimes builds a group prayer about the reflection.
One member says, "Hearing other people's responses in a given reflection often opens whole new avenues of insight to me." Another says, “When we created our first prayer via theological reflection, it was a mind-boggling experience, made me feel closer to my fellow EfM-ers and to God. It was a magnificent way to pray.”
In Theological Reflection people learn to come together and exchange views with others with respect for all, and become adept at using a powerful and practical tool for spiritual discernment.
We invite you to consider whether EFM might be right for you. We have one established EfM group that meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem. There are also plans for an evening group in the Lehigh Valley, a group in Reading, and a group in Susquehanna County. There are no prerequisites except an open mind and the ability to come to class on a regular basis during the next year. We will begin our next EfM course year in September 2013.
If you have any questions or would like more information about EFM, contact Cathy Bailey, 610-442-1189, cbnnp@rcn.com
