Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of study (with a new optional fifth year) that is presented under the auspices of the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. EfM provides theological education for lay persons to help them discern and prepare for their ministry, whether it be a call to clergy, a day-to-day job, volunteer work, or raising a family. EfM is open to everyone!

  • Year One: The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

  • Year Two: The New Testament

  • Year Three: History of the Church and Christianity

  • Year Four: Theology, Ethics, and Interfaith Encounters

  • NEW! Year Five: Wide Angle

A stack of books including Howard Thurman's Jesus and the Disinherited, Steven Charleston's The Four Vision Quests of Jesus, a Bible, and a book open to a chapter about the Gospel of Matthew along some medieval art of the apostle Matthew.
A stack of books including Howard Thurman's Jesus and the Disinherited, Steven Charleston's The Four Vision Quests of Jesus, a Bible, and a book open to a chapter about the Gospel of Matthew along some medieval art of the apostle Matthew.

Several times during the year, all students will read common books or essays and discuss them. The EfM group meets weekly on Sunday afternoons. During these weekly meetings, the group worships together, discusses the materials assigned for the week, and engages in the practice of Theological Reflection.

  • “EfM has so much to offer. I loved learning about Scripture through different perspectives and discovering that there isn't always just one way to understand a passage. More than the knowledge though, EfM helped me grow spiritually in ways I didn't expect. What made the biggest difference were the people who I learned beside. EfM became a place where I felt safe to ask questions and share honestly. I'm incredibly grateful for the journey, and I can honestly say it has changed me.”

    —Crystal, Year Five and 2025 Graduate

  • "I have learned to slow down and to realize that my assumptions about God, religion, and people have been limited and biased. In EfM, I have found the safety to open to God, to others, and to religion in a way that feels authentic and joyful."

    —Ricki, Year Three

  • “I started EfM at the exact right moment in my life. I was in the midst of deconstructing my faith and processing a lot of church hurt and trauma. EfM has helped me explore my beliefs in a safe space where I can ask questions and share my journey without any judgement. This small community has saved my faith and brought me closer to my own understanding of God, spirituality, and Love.”

    —Jana, Year Two

  • "One thing I did not expect was how close we all grew as our time together progressed. It is truly a time for reflection and spiritual growth as a layperson and ministry leader within the church! The relationships that were cultivated during this time are ones I will always cherish! I highly recommend that anyone who has questions concerning the church and scripture, guidance in ministry or meaningful fellowship should seriously and prayerfully consider partaking in this wonderful opportunity!"

    —Airen, Year One

  • "[EfM] has been a wonderful way to pursue one of my retirement goals: spending more time with scripture, continuing to learn, and growing as a lifelong follower of Christ. Our EfM group at All Saints' Episcopal is made up of people from different generations, backgrounds, and life experiences, and those differences make our conversations rich and meaningful. I have truly been blessed by them."

    —Mary, Year Two

If you are interested in joining the All Saints’ EfM group contact Charles Tyrone, EfM Mentor: (479) 857-0480; ctyrone2009@gmail.com.

Tuition is $350 for the 2026-2027 term plus the cost of texts (EfM limits this to no more than $100). However, many EfM books are available to borrow from the church library. Scholarships and financial aid are also available to help with some or all of the tuition and the cost of materials.

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 will begin soon! To receive updates please follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter!