EfM (Education for Ministry) is a programme of study devised primarily for lay people and offering four years of tertiary level study.  The group study learning format allows for an action reflection through weekly group meetings.  

The four-year programme covers 

• Old Testament 

• New Testament 

• Church History 

• Systematic Theology, Ethics, and Inter-faith relationships 

EFM administrator Michael Crawford-Butler has completed the programme twice. He has found tremendous value in being part of a group of Christians open to exploring their faith.  

“The group has supported and challenged me.  The other members of the group have also opened windows that give me a fresh perspective on faith that I would not have found on my own,” he says. 

“I learned I could safely share deeply personal experiences.  I could question orthodox beliefs without criticism and be respected for what I believed even when others believed differently. 

“Writing a spiritual autobiography made me realise where and how much more often than I had imagined Christ had been present in my life and how God kept calling me even when I was not wanting to hear it.   

“Theological reflection gave me the tools to understand where God was present in my life – in ordinary everyday events as well as in the wow moments.  Over the next 20 years I gradually came to a set of beliefs that while fitting within the Anglican tradition were uniquely mine.  Because of my limited human ability to perceive and understand God, many of my questions will never be fully answered. EfM gives me the tools to look at the gaps between what I believe and how I behave." 

Enrolment is now open to any adult who wishes to develop their knowledge and commitment to ministry.  

EfM teaches you how to think theologically, deepen your faith and your understanding of our Christian heritage, and provides you with a new confidence to be Christ’s minister. 

To support the life of EfM groups and provide for the possibility of new groups forming we need to have mentors who are trained in the skills needed to facilitate these co-learning groups. 

A mentor is not an expert, or a tutor, but a co-learner with group members who has the added group skills to ensure that a safe, honest, non-judgmental learning environment is fostered 

If you think that you might have what it takes to be a mentor, and/or are interested in stepping into the adventure that is EfM, fill in the registration form here and come along to the training event in Wellington.  There is no charge to attend the training. 

Coming to the training does not commit you to being a mentor! Come, taste, and see! 

If you have questions or want more information email educationforministrynz@outlook.com 

Registrations close on 13 October 2023. 

Information on classes for 2024 will be available in November.