History of EFM

The Education for Ministry programme comes from The University of the South, Sewanee Tennessee, USA.

 

The programme developed during the 1970s from the perception that many people learn best through a combination of personal study at home, supported by sharing in a supportive group.

 

EFM was launched in New Zealand in 1979 through the enterprise of an Anglican bishop who had encountered the course in the USA. Groups can also be found in the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, China (Hong Kong),the Bahamas, Guyana, Honduras and Nicaragua.

 

Worldwide, over 60,000 people have participated in the programme. In Aotearoa New Zealand, over 750 have completed the full four year course. EFM is respected by major denominations as a significant lay training programme. The following denominations are represented in the New Zealand programme: Anglican, Apostolic, Baptist, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Methodist, Open Brethren, Presbyterian, Quaker, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and Union & Co-operating congregations.

 

EFM in New Zealand is directed by a representative trust board.

 

 

 

 

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