Education For Ministry
Phew, that sounds like work! It sounds like going back to school. Will it involve writing papers and taking tests? I like the education part, but what is this ministry thing? I’m already involved in ministry, so why do I need to be educated in what I am already doing? All reasonable concerns and queries.
Let me start by being direct—just because you have been in church since Thomas Cranmer was a boy, it does not necessarily mean that you know the what, why, when, where, and who. All of us benefit from knowing the foundational knowledge of Christianity, particularly in a world that is increasingly challenging that knowledge for political and personal power. Knowledge of the faith is not only for our personal journeys, but also for our shared ability to speak and live into the love that God has for ALL of us. Education for Ministry (aka, EfM) has this at its core.
EfM’s focus is to support each in our respective ministries. Ministry in the church is done by the people of God. It is the people of God (you!) who make ministry happen as its head, heart, and hands. We all need the knowledge and skills to support us in our ministries.
EfM involves study of Hebrew scripture, the New Testament, church history, and theology over the course of four years. Through readings and discussions, participants learn and shape their theological understandings.
There is space to enter this journey of faith starting in September. Meetings are on Mondays, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom lasting two to two and a half hours. A fee is paid to the University of the South as developer and source of EfM plus the cost of required texts. You commit to one year at a time.
There is information at the table in the Gallery, people to answer questions, registration forms, and information sheets. Take the time to check out EfM. You will not regret doing so.
Fr. Murdock Smith (frmurdocksmith@gmail.com, 704-607-5025)
