Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) is open to anyone with an interest in gaining a deeper understanding of Christian tradition, theology, and history. You do not need to be a member of the St. Barnabas congregation or an Episcopalian in order to participate. 

The EfM curriculum is developed at the University of the South's Episcopal seminary and honed by thousands of small groups throughout the country.  Rich Oldrieve and Diane Hexter are the co-mentors for the St. Barnabas group. 

EfM provides a four-year sequence of courses: The Hebrew Bible, The Christian Scriptures, Church History, and Contemporary Theology. Each weekly, three hour class period includes discussions of the readings and a Bible-based theological reflection that enable class members to connect their course reading and scripture to their personal experiences, beliefs, and expressions of faith through thought, word, and action.

Though the four year commitment may seem intimidating, a one week at a time approach leads to great joy. Each September, as some participants graduate, we look to enroll several more members.