By: Candace Adams
If you have ever thought about engaging in an academic course on the Bible or exploring your faith in a deeper way, I highly recommend participating in Education for Ministry – or EfM for short. EfM is a 9-month program following the academic year (September to June) that meets once a week in a small group setting. But if you think EfM is a traditional academic course or a typical another Bible Study, think again.
It’s actually much better than that!
I knew that I would find value in reading the Bible again, in exploring educational texts and academic analysis of the readings. Although EfM does have aspects of a traditional class, it encourages full participation from every individual, irrespective of background, knowledge, experience or where you are on your spiritual path. The unexpected gift is the rich tapestry that unfolds through the unique voice and participation of the entire group.
What I did not expect was the profound impact EfM has had on every aspect of my life. Up until EfM, my spiritual life has been very personal. What I discovered was how much more it comes to life when we explore together complex and difficult topics of faith in community; with a group of amazing people with different perspectives and insights.
This quote from the introduction from the Education for Ministry Reading and Reflection Guide (the EfM handbook) says it well: “A gap occurs between vision and reality; between what is desired and what currently exists.… A vision that is loved can provide motivation and energy to transform current realities into the vision.” In EfM, we work together to find God’s vision and support and encourage each other as we work through the tension that exists between that vision and our reality. Through the EfM program, my own pathway working through that gap has also evolved. EfM provides a rich community in which to reflect on and discuss the deep questions of life and faith. Sharing in the knowledge and experience with a group of completely amazing and intelligent individuals results in a rich and priceless dialogue that has helped guide my path.
If you are interested in learning more join us for an Introductory Forum after the 10am Service on August 24th – OR – sign up on our interest list here!
I hope the study includes the Old Testament and possibly the Apocrypha.