by the Rev. Cricket Park
Are you looking for a group of people with whom you can confidently share your doubts about God and not be judged?
Are you looking for a new way to see the world – through a theological lens?
Are you looking to delve into the scriptures and discover them in a new light?
Are you ready to read classics in theology as well as new thoughts from modern authors?
Are you ready to discern your next step in ministry with colleagues who care about you?
If you are looking for any of these things, Education for Ministry could very well be your answer.
For fifty years, Education for Ministry (EfM) has provided access to theological education for lay people who sought a deeper knowledge of scripture, church history, theology, and themselves. A new curriculum, new resources, and a new way to experience the program marks the 50th anniversary year of EfM.
Education for Ministry: Classic is a four-year program in which participants commit one year at a time. At the end of four years, graduates receive a certificate of completion as well as a theological toolkit to use in their ministries going forward.
New this year is Education for Ministry: Wide Angle. This addition is a one-year program that serves a variety of seekers:
- EfM graduates who just want a little bit more.
- Prospective EfM participants who wish to experience the theological process of a class without committing to a long-term plan of study.
- Retired mentors who would like to be rejuvenated in their ministry, or in the discernment thereof.
- Those who wish to study, but who don’t have the 3-4 hours of preparation that is often required of participants of EfM: Classic. Reading for “Wide Angle” can usually be done within 1 ½ hours per week.
This Wide Angle year can be taken in a group with other Wide Angle participants. It can also be a “5th Voice” in an established EfM class. All Wide Angle mentors must receive training and certification from EfM trainers.
Nearly all of the books used for the four-year program have been newly selected with a mind toward up-to-date scholarship and affordability. No one should have to spend more than $100 per program year on their books. For 2025-26 the cost of the program is $340 for tuition, plus $10 copyright license and 5% credit card fee. EfM can no longer accept checks.
In the next few weeks, those who are mentoring classes in-person, on-line, or a hybrid of both will be registering students for the fall semester. Registration for classes that run January-December (with a summer break) will be in November.
There are two other offerings from Education for Ministry that are available for parishes or individuals at no cost. More about these offerings will be provided this fall.
For more information about registering or if you would like to be a mentor, contact the Rev. Cricket Park, Diocesan EfM Coordinator at revcricketpark@gmail.com or 614-806-5248. She is happy to come to your parish to provide more information about the program.
