Last update: July 30, 2024

Education for Ministry

What is EfM?

EVERY BAPTIZED PERSON is called to ministry.The Education for Ministry program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. The EfM program does not evaluate or recommend individuals for ordination. Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be “a minister.” The fact is that all baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the church’s total ministry. The EfM program is preparation for the ministry to which we all are called.

The seminar group is the nucleus of the EfM program. A "face-to-face"group consists of six to 12 participants and a trained mentor; while an online group consists of approximately eight participants and and a specifically trained mentor, who meet weekly over the course of 36 weeks. Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God’s kingdom. Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. 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. Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity to deepen un­derstanding of the reading materials.

More important is the development of skills in theological reflection. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can learn what it means to be effective minis­ters in the world. In coming to terms with the notion that everything we do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is at hand wherever we turn.

Seminar groups work under the leadership of mentors who serve as guides and administrators. They are not teachers in the traditional sense who are expected to impart information about the Christian tradition. A mentor must work as an enabler rather than as an informer of people. Mentors may be lay or ordained per­sons. If you are interested in taking part in EfM, either as a student or as a mentor, please contact me by phone or email (contact information below)

Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be “a minister.” The fact is that all baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the church’s total ministry. The EfM program is preparation for the ministry to which we all are called.

Face-to-Face EfM Groups

Face to Face EfM Groups are held in various parishes around the diocese. If you are interested in joining one, please contact the administrative mentor of the group closest to you:

HRM: Rev. David Fletcher davidfletcher@priest.com

Parish of Christchurch, Amherst: Rev. Will Ferrey rector@christchurchamherstns.ca

EfM Online

David Harrison is the mentor for an EfM Online group with meets every Sunday at 4:00pm Atlantic

Tuition for either type of EfM Group is $350.00 per year.

A new Online Continuing Education Group is being offered this year for people who have graduated from EfM and wish to continue their learning. This group meets once a month, starting in September, via Zoom. The facilitators are trained, experienced mentors. Tuition is $75.00.

The Online ConEd Group was piloted  and developed by David Harrison and Archdeacon Chris Ross over the past few years. We have participants from across the country. 

 The class is held on the last Wednesday of each month: 7:00 to 9:00 pm Atlantic led by David Harrison of the Diocese of NS & PEI and Archdeacon Chris Ross of the Diocese of Kootenay.

For more information, contact David Harrison, EfM Diocesan Coordinator and EfM Canada Online Coordinator at djh@djharrison.ca (902-923-2902) or go to the EfM Canada web site.