Education for Ministry in the Diocese of Long Island

Education for Ministry (EfM) in the Diocese of Long Island

Note: Despite Covid 19 restrictions, EfM groups continue to meet - some in person, some using technology, such as Zoom, or some using a combination of in-person and technology (hybrid).  Each group makes the decision, based on the needs of the group and diocesan guidelines.

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of study and spiritual development for lay people. It takes place in a small group setting. Participation helps us to respond to the question all of us face: How do I respond to God's call to ministry in the world?

By participating in EfM you will:

•  learn to work together in a small group
•  study the bible, church history and theology
•  engage in theological reflection
•  learn about yourself and your fellow group members
•  deepen your faith
•  discover your call to ministry in the world

Participants commit yearly to meet once a week from September to June. Meetings are led by trained, certified mentors.

EfM is a four-year program, though participants sign up one year at a time:

Year 1: Hebrew Scriptures
Year 2: New Testament
Year 3: Christian History
Year 4: Theology, Ethics and Interfaith Encounter

In addition to the area of study for each year as outlined above, our work together is centered on theological reflection. Theological reflection is the artful spiritual discipline of putting our life experiences into conversation with the living God of our faith. It's a practical skill that will provide a way for you to experience greater meaning in your day-to-day life and a more tangible sense of God's loving presence in the world.

EfM is locally based. At present there are EfM groups in Brooklyn and Suffolk. If you are interested in joining an existing group, contact the Coordinator of EfM for the diocese, Deacon John Musco: efm@dioceseli.org, 917-519-0422.
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EfM is a program of the School of Theology University of the South in Sewanee Tennessee.  More information, can be found on their website: https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry/program/mentors/

But why not form a group at your parish? All it takes is a group of parishioners willing to join and someone willing to be trained as a mentor to lead the group. Contact Deacon John for help.

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Mentor Training
Covid 19 Alert!
Due to Covid 19 concerns Education for Ministry has cancelled all in-person mentor training.  Instead, online Zoom mentor training is available.  To see what training is available, you can go to the EfM mentor training calendar on the EfM website using this link: http://efm.sewanee.edu/mentor-training/mentor-training-schedule.  The training will certify you to become an EfM mentor.

You can help start a group in your church by being trained as an EfM mentor.  No previous experience of EfM is required! 

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You too can become an EfM Mentor!
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​BROOKLYN

• Grace Church/Brooklyn Hts
Meets Wednesday at 6:30pm | Sept to June
Mentors: John Musco johnmusco@gmail.com & Kim Lovejoy  kim.lovejoy@gmail.com 

• Church of the Nativity/Midwood
Meets Wednesday at 7:30pm | Sept to June
Mentors: Hyacinth Jeffers trini8055@yahoo.com & Marian Bird marianblue020@aol.com

• Holy Apostles Church/Windsor Terrace
Meets Tuesday at 7:00 pm | Sept to June
Mentors: Heather Kelly hkellyt@yahoo.com & Ida Love idajlove@gmail.com 

• St. Paul's Church in the Village of Flatbush
Meets Monday at 7 pm | October to July
Mentors: Valerie Stuart vjs_val@yahoo.com & Edward Barrow harrybar1@aol.com

SUFFOLK

• St. John's/Huntington
Meets Monday at 7:00pm | Sept to June
Mentors: Leslie Valentine leslieval@aol.com & Denise Hernandez nisey1h@gmail.com
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