Called to God’s Story: Education for Ministry

Every area of my life has been profoundly affected by my studies in Education for Ministry (EFM) because, through rigorous study,  EFM enabled me to blend, or integrate my mind into my heart–or what I most hoped for in my heart with what I intellectually believed to be true. Before EFM, I  had serious doubts about the validity of scripture–and, therein was the disconnect between what I thought and what my heart hoped for. Through study and reflection, I came to realize our God is very much present in all of our lives–as he always has been and always will be. Through the studies of the first year and Hebrew Scriptures, I looked past the stories I learned as a child and instead came to see the history of humanity, however flawed, was not the entire story. While humanity’s history is indeed often filled with horrendous atrocities, God is not, and, in fact, has been calling out to all of us since time began. My problems centered around the failings of people–not God.

Through EFM–and lots of reading, I began to change my perceptions of who God was and is in all of our lives, and this critical lens has changed everything as I now see and feel God everywhere and see my part in creating a world reflecting his ever-present love. 

Along with this metacognitive shift of who God is, I have also been tremendously blessed to interact with the wonderful individuals of my EFM group, and I am most decidedly happy to call them my friends. Through the wise mentoring of Mark Patzman, Debbie Kistler, and Susan Jester, I have new templates and role models of what it means to lead through love and wisdom, and I will always be eternally grateful.

My colleagues in the cohort shared with me the good work–and, I think we bonded because of the rigor–we are in the metaphorical trenches of biblical study as we navigate through intense reading. Our meetings are filled with laughter, love, and incredible food as we share our studies with the group and relief as we once again, each Tuesday, complete our assignments. Life for me has turned into a before Tuesday–so much to do–and after Tuesday: I did it! I know each member in a way I never would have otherwise, specifically because of EFM, and I don’t even want to think of a time when we are not all together on Tuesday evenings.

For the interested or just curious, visit the EfM website, where you’ll find lots of information, including sample lessons, at https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry. You can also email our EfM Diocesan Coordinator, Mark Patzman at efm.edsd@outlook.com.