By: Gayle Mcgregor
EfM is a 4-year program that has a different focus each year: In year one, it’s the Old Testament, in year two, the New Testament, then in year three it’s Christian Theology and in the last year the focus is Church History. And to be honest, I struggled at times with EfM in my first year because of its focus on the Old Testament. That said, the reading did help me grow in my understanding of the Hebrew Bible and to distill its meaning for me. And for that I am grateful.
But more important than my personal likes and dislikes of the reading, was the community. The sense of community that we created in our EFM group was priceless. It is what made church spiritually alive for me!
As a small community, our practice of theological reflection gave me a sense of grappling with the most difficult aspects of life while held in the supporting embrace of others. Likewise, I supported my fellow group members as they contemplated deep, and oftentimes, troubling truths. We were in it together, finding spiritual meaning in the struggles of life. I imagine this is the closest experience we could have today like the early Christians who made sense of Jesus’ teachings in small groups. The community of the EFM group, the support of others in living life from a spiritual perspective is the reason I am looking forward to beginning year 2 of EFM this Fall.
EfM begins September 23 is for anyone ready for a serious exploration of Theology and Holy Scripture in a supportive, loving small group community. Want to learn more? Click here!