Education for Ministry (EFM)
Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EfM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.
Check out the webiste for the national EFM here.
An EFM course is offered periodically at Trinity. Please call the Church office for more details.
Disciples in Christ in Community (DOCC)
Disciples of Christ in Community (DOCC) is a congregational-based Christian formation program for adults that builds community while encouraging individual spiritual growth. Nationally, more than 25,000 people have completed the program. Previously DOCC was administered by the School of Theology Programs Center of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. The program is now administered by Washington National Cathedral in the Diocese of Washington, D.C.
DOCC consists of 18 to 24 sessions. Each session contains two parts. The first part is a presentation led by either clergy members or theologically trained lay persons. This is followed by an hour-long response in small groups led by members of the congregation trained to facilitate the discussions. All presenters and facilitators receive 18 or more hours of training.
When DOCC works, it is because the small groups work, each becoming what we call in DOCC “the church in minuscule.” DOCC offers a step-by-step journey into the heart and soul of Christianity along with a community of fellow-explorers to travel with. Each session consists of a 30- to 45-minute presentation followed by an hour-long conversation in a small group that will stay together for the entire course. The DOCC Journey depends to a large extent on the quality of the small-group experience, and small groups depend on the regular attendance of participants. Potential participants who know that they will have to miss more than two sessions should wait to take the course in another session.
For more information on DOCC and when the next session will be offered, please contact the Church Office at 225-387-0396.
Check out the website for the national DOCC here.
|
