Education for Ministry (EFM)

EfM is a four-year course of study in theological bible study and reflection for lay persons. The seminar group is the nucleus of the EfM program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor meeting weekly over the course of a nine-month academic year. These meetings are usually two and half to three hours in length.

In the Diocese of Fond du Lac, there are seminar groups in Stevens Point (meets fall to spring), Minocqua (meets spring to fall), and Green Bay (meets fall to spring). There is an opportunity for EfM seminar groups to form in other churches. Please contact Pastor Mary if there is interest in forming a group or if there you are interested in becoming an EfM Mentor. We now have six trained mentors. Minocqua mentors are Kathy Knobel and Diane Dietrich. Green Bay Mentors are Connie Verhaagh and Mary Lea Jones. Stevens Point mentors are Pastor Mary Trainor and Deacon Georgeanne Cusic.

Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God's kingdom.

• Study - Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. They are responsible for setting their own learning goals. In the seminars members have an opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions which the study materials raise for them.
• Reflection - Theological Reflection is the hallmark of EfM. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can lean what it means to be effective ministers in the world. In coming to terms with the notion that everything wee do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is at hand wherever we turn.
• Worship - The seminar is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship. EfM groups are encouraged to develop a pattern of worship appropriate to their situations.
• The Mentor - Seminar groups work under the leadership of mentors who contract to serve as guides and administrators.
• Enrollment and Tuition - Enrollment is done directly through the mentors, Pastor Mary Trainor (Stevens Point), Kathy Knobel (Minocqua) or Connie Verhaagh (Green Bay)

Prospectus
Sample Lessons - All Years
EfM Glossary