Education for Ministry

Every baptized person is called to ministry. “An Outline of the Faith,” in the Book of Common Prayer tells us “the ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship and governance of the Church.”

Education for Ministry (EfM) is offered here at Grace as a distance-learning course by the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee. It provides Episcopalians and others with the education to carry out their lay ministry.

Lay persons face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church’s faith in a complex and confusing world. EfM helps participants gain knowledge, while strengthening their faith, and learning to express that faith in day-to-day events.

EfM offers a four-year course, covering the basic subjects of a theological education: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Theological Choices (a study of theological trends and movements in the Church). Participants register for one year at a time. Students meet locally in seminar groups of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor. Each of our groups has two mentors. Groups meet weekly for two to three hours during a nine-month academic year.

For information on the Monday morning group, contact Mentor Nancy F. Black or Co-Mentor Meghan Holland.

For information on the Tuesday evening group, contact Mentor Libby Wade.