Emmanuel Episcopal Church will begin the sixth year of its interfaith Education for Ministry (EFM) program in October.

EFM provides an in-depth and practical theological education, designed to enhance knowledge and provide the tools needed to better answer the personal call to serve, whatever that may ultimately be.

EFM is a four-year program, designed by the University of the South. It begins with study of the Hebrew Testament, followed by the Christian Testament, Church History and concluding in the fourth year with World Faith Traditions, Ethics and Ministry Studies.

New knowledge is applied to daily life through continuing Theological Reflections. Organizers say it might best be described as a method of looking at issues with the newspaper in one hand and faith traditions in the other.

Small EFM groups of no more than 12 meet weekly, 34 times each year, and there is some home study. The program is built around the participants and can accommodate changing schedules.

“Group members commit to participate only for a year at time … but almost everyone completes the full four years … it is that good!” say organizers.

If you are interested in learning more about EFM, call Tom Murdock at 376-6166.