Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EfM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Many people come to EfM simply to increase their knowledge of the Christian faith or deepen their own sense of spirituality. You will find that EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepens your faith and your understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides you with a new confidence to carry out Christ’s work of reconciliation within the world.

What’s the “Education” part of EfM?

In brief, we study the Old and New Testaments, Church History, and Modern Theology over a four-year period. A detailed prospectus can be found on the program’s website. Participants should plan to spend about 2.5 hours per week doing the reading assignments. While the academic material is substantial – participants should plan to spend about 2.5 hours per week on the reading assignments -- the focus of the program is on life as ministry.

What’s the “Ministry” part of EfM?

EfM begins with the understanding that all of us are called to be active participants in the church’s ministry, as described on the program’s website. While some people discover a calling to a new ministry during EfM, others learn that their ministry is found in the daily activities of their families, work, and community life.

How does EfM work?

The EfM group at St. Augustine’s meets weekly during the school year. In 2008-09 we will be meeting from 7:15 to 9:30pm on Thursday evenings. During these sessions we share our insights, discoveries, and questions from our reading assignments, and we examine the events of our lives in light of what we have learned. Much of this work is done through Theological Reflection, a spiritual exercise that helps us examine our beliefs and their relationship to our present culture and to the traditions of our Christian faith. Through study, prayer, and reflection, we move together toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom.

Registration Information

• Tuition is $340 per year and includes materials. This is a reduced rate because the Diocese of Chicago is an EfM sponsor.
• Participants enroll one year at a time, can withdraw and re-enroll if unexpected interruptions occur, and can transfer almost anywhere in the USA (and in many foreign countries).
• The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.
• To enroll, download the Student Enrollment form and Appendix B-1. Return the completed Student Enrollment form, along with your check or credit card information, to the church office.