| Education
for Ministry (EFM) is a education-at-a-distance program of
theological reflection and study of the Bible, church
history, and twentieth century theology. The entire program
involves four years of study, though participants commit on
a yearly basis for approximately 36 meetings. Materials are
developed and published through the School of Theology of the University of
the South and provided for each year of study. Groups are
composed of up to 12 participants who may be at any year of
study and a trained mentor. EFM is designed for those
interested in spiritual formation and theological study.
Kingston
Parish's first EFM group formed over the summer of 2001 and
started in September of that year. Kingston EFM's
approximately dozen members meet for two-and-a-half hour
weekly sessions of Old Testament discussion, sharing of
Spiritual Autobiographies, Theological Reflection, and
Worship. The group has studied Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, and
part of Deuteronomy. Exegesis has revealed a God who is
deeply personal and present in the lives of the Hebrew
people. We have discovered that despite their human
failings, Yahweh steadfastly loved them and called them into
covenant relationships. We find our story in the Hebrew
story of creation, sin, judgment, repentance, and redemption
in the scripture reading and the process of theological
reflection. Most importantly we experience God's love and
grace in the astounding gifts that each member brings to the
EFM group. Kingston Parish is blessed to have such a
committed group of participants, who devote hours to weekly
study, give themselves to lively discussion, and share their
ministry in so many ways.
For further information contact the Parish House at 804 725-2175, or for
more information about the national EFM program, click here. |
Mathews, Virginia 23109 
