LeAnn Frobom, EFM Mentor
WHAT
IS EFM?
EFM,
Education for Ministry, is a 4-year seminar series, offered through University
of the South School of Theology –Sewanee.
The seminar meets weekly for 3-hour sessions throughout the school
year, led by a certified EFM Mentor, who is often not
ordained, but who has completed the 4-year course, and who has been called
to mentor ministry.
The
four-year course provides a broad-brush overview of the following topics:
First Year:
The Hebrew Scripture
Second Year: Psalms,
Wisdom Literature & The Christian Testament
Third Year:
The Letters of John and Christian Passages (Church History)
Fourth Year: Conclude
Church History and Theological Choices
Each session consists of opening prayer, discussion of assigned readings (not
in lecture format – the Mentor is “a guide on the side, not a sage
on the stage”), a Theological
Reflection exercise (TR), and a closing prayer or devotion. As summarized in the EFM Prospectus: “Students belong to small ‘communities of learning’
in which the events of each person’s life may be examined in the light
of the materials being studied. While
the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus of the
program is on life as ministry
and understanding that ministry.”
Not only does the seminar become a community of learning, it is a community
of faith in action and a reflection of different viewpoints that allows us
a glimpse of a “kaleidoscope of theology” (to quote Mother Jane
from another context).
Personally,
I have found EFM to be an exciting, Spirit-filled experienced – a challenge
to both the left brain and the right brain – and the source of deep and
lasting friendships. I invite
you to come and explore this program.
If tentatively interested, please complete the attached form and return
it to the Church Office.
LeAnn
Frobom
Mentor
(402) 483-7129
leannlafave@hotmail.com