education for ministry
Fall in Love with EfM – again or for the first time!
Education for Ministry launched a revised curriculum in July 2025. More than 75 people participated in creating and shaping the revised curriculum into a multi-media platform for delivery. If it has been a while since you took EfM or are new to EfM, now may be the time to see why people say that EfM is life-changing. EfM can now be experienced in two ways.
EfM: Classic is the version of the program people have experienced for over 50 years. Core texts, podcasts, films, and online offerings introduce participants to the basis of Christian faith through four voices. In four consecutive years, committed to one year at a time, participants cover the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Christian Spirituality and Ethics.
EfM: Wide Angle. A new voice has been added – Wide-Angle – takes a narrative approach to the content and introduces participants to the tenets of Christian faith by touching on elements of all four years of the classic program in one year. Anyone can take Wide Angle at any time.
In addition to studying our heritage, seminar groups create sacred community, engage in regular prayer and worship, reflect theologically, and mutually discern a larger call and small nudgings.
Taking advantage of the wealth of information available online, EfM transitioned to an online learning platform in 2025. The primary content is still delivered through core texts (shown at below), but participants will access assignments through this platform. In addition, participants have access to multi-media content that supports to the core texts.
The St. Michael’s EfM group meets for 36 weeks, beginning in August and ending in May, for 2 ½ hours on Wednesday evenings. We welcome those who seek a deeper faith and a richer connection to God and neighbor.
Each August when our EfM year begins, we begin anew. Our group will consist of some who are returning for a new year of study, some who are brand new to the group, and at least one mentor who provides continuity. People new to EfM either begin in EfM: Classic Year 1 – Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament or in EfM: Wide Angle. Returning members might have a focus on the New Testament, or church history or modern ethics, theology and multi-cultural engagement. The multi-faceted approach to studying Christianity and its roots allows us to be open to the spirit’s call.
Our current EfM group is made up of participants from St. Michael’s, St. George’s Episcopal in Arlington, St. Luke’s Episcopal in Alexandria, St. John’s Layafette Square in DC, and St. James Episcopal in Potomac, MD.
Who Leads the St. Michael’s EfM Group?
Beth Cavey is a member of St. Michael’s and has been part of the EfM world for over 15 years in various capacities. She began co-mentoring a group at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Arlington in her 4th year. In 2020, the group moved to St. Michael’s. Beth has been involved in the racial reconciliation work at St. Michael’s and loves the partnership this church has with AME Zion Lomax. Beth is married to Brian, and they have two kids: Tina and Michael, and a dog Harper. The Cavey’s have a farm outside of Warrenton, VA and always welcome visitors.
Please reach out to her at efmnorthernva@gmail.com for more information.
Why Start the EfM Journey?
There are so many reasons to begin an EfM journey. Beth began hers because she had two toddlers at home and was desperate for adult conversation that was about something other than preschool, dirty diapers, and what should be for dinner. She had no idea where the journey would lead, but says with certainty that EfM helped her be a better Mom, Wife, and Neighbor.
Others have joined to engage in regular meaningful conversation, study the Bible, create trusted fellowship, and infuse spiritual insights into their daily lives. Whatever the reason, all are welcome at the EfM table.
What Past Participants Have Said About EfM:
“The most astonishing thing about having EFM as part of my life is the experience of watching people discover what God really is calling them to do. Truly, it never ceases to amaze me — or them! God is indeed “doing a new thing” in our private lives, and it plays out in lovely public ways. ”
“EfM has given me the language to better understand my personal theology and what to do with that belief in my daily life. I look forward to every meeting because I know that God will be present in our discussions. The people who are my classmates are so much more than that–they are fellow souls on a faith journey who hold my hand, redirect my steps, and celebrate my milestones. EfM is a truly remarkable program.”
“EfM was a great way to read scripture with new insight. Reading the Bible with commentary certainly helped deepen my understanding. EfM helped me learn and interpret the Bible in ways that no prior study had.”
“I had read the Bible numerous times before, but I never really digested the Bible till I read it in EfM. That new understanding has had a huge impact on my life.”