Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of EFM?

To provide comprehensive experiential education. EFM enables adult Christians to develop their individual gifts, by equipping them with wisdom, knowledge, skills and confidence to discern their own ministries, individually and in their local faith communities.

 

How does EFM work?

Each seminar group is led by a trained mentor. Groups typically meet twice a month during a nine month period to reflect theologically, discuss material they have studied, and for worship.

 

Who participates in EFM?

EFM is for lay people. At baptism, every Christian receives Christ’s call to some form of service. EFM provides the basics of theological education to develop knowledge and confidence. Since 1975 many thousands of people around the world have participated, developing, defining and refining their gifts.

 

Why do people choose to participate in EFM?

Each participant has a slightly different expectation. Many want to know more about the Christian heritage. Others want to continue their spiritual growth or prepare for specific ministries. Such ministries include social work, nursing home and hospital care-giving, school teaching and church leading. Yet others find EFM a safe way to look at the big questions of life – who am I? Who/what is God? What is the meaning of life?

 

What can you expect from EFM?

Nobody knows! From a single group some years ago, one participant followed a call to ordination as a clergy person, another became a secular celebrant, yet another member was strengthened for long term lay leadership in his parish. A fourth has accepted shorter term opportunities, participating in home-schooling, returning to a professional career, participating in a political party and more recently becoming a care-giver to elderly people in her community.

 

Generally, EFM participants find examination of their own beliefs and practices in the light of popular culture and Christian tradition helps them shape their own ministry and its effectiveness.

 

How much time does the EFM course take?

Participants begin the four year course, committing to one year at a time, with a final extra semester to study a specially written history of the church in New Zealand. Group members covenant to do their basic reading and journal work, usually amounting to about five hours a fortnight. They also agree to be a faithful member of the weekly or fortnightly group sessions, which last two or three hours.

 

What does EFM cost?

EFM costs are very competitive. It is a serious academic programme, equivalent to stage one university units in many ways. Currently the cost for a single student is $280 per year and $420 per year for a couple sharing the texts, gst included. It has been announced that as from 1 July 2010 the fees will be single students $330-00 per year and $495-00 per year for a couple sharing the texts, gst included.

 

What qualification does EFM give ?

People who complete the EFM course receive a certificate. Some recognized churches have recently specified participation in EFM or a similar programme as a pre-requisite for lay leadership training to a deaconate level. The emphasis is on personal study and growth. There are no formal assignments or exams and therefore EFM does not provide a series of credits against a diploma or degree.

 

What comments have participants made about the EFM course?

Some testimonies are here.

 

 

 

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