Core Practices in EfM Handout

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Core Practices in Education for Ministry

The terms “education” and “ministry” in Education for Ministry frequently need unpacking to better understand both the content and the purpose of the program. Some expect
EfM to be a course in religion or theology, like one that might be taught at their local college or university. Some expect it to be geared toward preparation for becoming an
ordained minister or pastor, for such is the limited understanding of ministers in contemporary culture.

EfM actually is neither of these, although it does provide an education in the content of the Christian tradition through reading the Bible alongside some basic biblical

commentary, church history, and practical introductions to Christian theology and ethics, as well as through encouraging an appreciation for ways in which Christians respond to
encounters with those of other faiths. EfM also explores a wider concept of ministry, based as it is in an understanding that baptism, the fundamental rite of entry into Christian-
ity, marks our call to minister to one another in Christ’s name in the course of our daily lives.

At its heart EfM is a program in practical theology, a program based in a set of five core practices that form and support us in the various ministries to which we are called.

• Living in Community
All ministry begins in relationship, and at its best is reciprocal. As we each share
our own stories and listen attentively to another’s stories, we come to know each
other and the relationship deepens. Empathy deepens, and out of that empathy I
minister to you even as you minister to me.

In EfM we begin the year by sharing a focused portion of our spiritual
autobiographies. As we listen to one another we may find points of common
experience and points at which our empathy is awakened. Sharing spiritual
autobiographies forms a foundation on which we build relationships for working
together in community through the year. As we continue to share stories of
personal experience, name concerns and positions, offer varied expressions of
worship, and acknowledge deep spiritual truths and longings, we deepen our
connections to one another and actively look for ways to bridge differences that
might otherwise separate us. EfM uses the Respectful Communication Guidelines
and the Mutual Invitation process from the Kaleidoscope Institute as tools for
learning to acknowledge and respect those differences.

• Regular Prayer and Worship
EfM expects that weekly worship in the meeting, usually with members taking in
turn responsibility for leadership, is a component of the seminar group’s work
together. Spiritual practices are addressed in the EfM curriculum, particularly in
Unit Three, but also across the year through the introduction of practices from the
Christian tradition like Lectio divina, the Ignatian examen, contemplative prayer,
and walking a labyrinth. Participants are invited to explore entering into these
traditional practices and encouraged to write a Rule of Life.

The different expressions and practices of worship shared weekly by members of
the group offer ways to enrich individual spiritual practice, as do trial explorations
of different practices from the tradition. In addition, participants are encouraged to
be regular in attendance at worship and active participants in congregational life.
The goal is to develop a spiritual connection with God and neighbor that grounds
and sustains us in the work of ministry.

Education for Ministry is a program in the Beecken Center of the School of Theology at the University of the South.
efm.sewanee.edu 335 Tennessee Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee 37383 800.722.1974

• Theological Reflection
Examining life through a theological lens is the central spiritual discipline in
Education for Ministry. The seminar groups practice theological reflection (TR)
employing EfM’s model that brings four sources of wisdom into conversation, using
a method in four movements that lead to new understandings with implications for
action in practicing ministry in daily life.

The four sources in the EfM model include three that form our context in daily
living: life experience (“Action”), the culture/society around us (“Culture”), and our
cherished beliefs and values (“Position”). The fourth source is the Christian
tradition handed down over the centuries (“Tradition”). EfM’s method for bringing
these sources into conversation with one another follows four movements: 1)
identify a focus from one of the sources for reflection; 2) examine the focus; 3)
connect it to the other three sources; and 4) apply new learning to shape action in
ministry. In movements two and three, questions are framed using an intentional
theological focus.

Using EfM’s process for theological reflection often feels awkward at first, yet few
expect to be able to play a musical instrument proficiently or master an athletic
pursuit without practice. The same is true for spiritual disciplines. With sufficient
practice in TR comes the ability to slip seamlessly into bringing the lens of faith to
bear on any aspect of life, essential to aligning our behavior with what we say we
believe. When faced with making an ethical choice, regular reflective practice can
enable one to answer the question: “How do I know this is a faithful way?”

The process for theological reflection is addressed in Unit Two every year with the
expectation that theological reflection is practiced weekly (or nearly every week)
thereafter in the seminar groups. The curriculum also instructs participants in
practicing theological reflection as individuals outside the seminar meeting, with
the goal of becoming reflective practitioners of their faith in daily life. Simply put,
any seminar group that neglects the practice of theological reflection is not
participating authentically in EfM as the program is designed.

• Study of the Christian Tradition
A series of four Reading and Reflection Guides provide weekly assignments for
reading, reflection, and response that encourage groups to develop a lifelong
practice of engagement with the Christian tradition in study. Participants read the
Hebrew Bible and the New Testament along with commentary that helps them
understand the texts in their ancient and modern contexts. They study the history
of the church. In the final integrative year participants study Christian theology,
examine their own personal theologies, consider ethics through the lens of the
Anglican tradition, and read first-person stories of interreligious encounter.

In addition, the Reading and Reflection Guides offer contextual themes that shape
ministerial formation over four years, viewing the study of the Christian tradition
through lenses of personal and global contexts for our ministry in daily life as we
grow in spiritual maturity and live into the journey with God. The regular study of
the Christian tradition in EfM forms a foundation for theological reflection in the
service of faithful living.

• Vocational Discernment
Listening for and responding to God’s call to ministry in daily life is a practice that
undergirds the whole EfM curriculum. It is assumed that all Christians are so called.
In the group we begin with attentive listening as we share spiritual autobiographies
and continue listening through shared prayer and worship, shared stories of our
daily lives, shared theological reflection across the year. Through such listening we
often find we can help one another identify specific gifts and the deep moments of
longing or joy that may signal a call to a ministry in which the person can offer
those gifts. As individuals the practice of regular prayer opens us to listening for
God’s call, a call that we can take to the community for reflection and support.

Responding to God’s call is shaped by the regular practice of attention to
personal and community contexts. What are the needs of the community around
me? What gift can I offer? Attention to the fruits of theological reflection will shape
response as well. What implications for my own or others’ action in ministry can be
taken from this TR? What are the next steps? What or who will be needed to
support me in this response? How can I support you in your call? The seminar
group becomes a community of affirmation, support, and accountability when
regular attention is paid to vocational discernment with and for its members.