Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 120,000 participants in discovering and nurturing their call to Christian service. EfM helps the faithful encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together. 

The program invites participants into small, mentored groups that provide the framework for understanding life and shaping actions as Christian faith is deepened. EfM seminar groups meet in local settings and online, and provide a four-year curriculum that develops a theologically informed, reflective, and articulate laity.

There are groups in in Ames, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Falls. Contact The Rev. John Doherty at jdoherty@iowaepiscopal.org for group mentor contact information or if you are interested in forming a group at your church or mentor training. Some groups meet in person, others online, or are a hybrid group. Regardless of your location, online groups are now open for enrollment. Most groups begin in the fall. Education for Ministry groups are determined by geography, group size, and individual learning styles and interests. During the enrollment process we assist each participant in finding a group that is a good fit. Contact us to get started: send an email or call us at: 1-800-722-1974

 

Summer Ministry School & Retreat

For the past 30 years Episcopalians in Iowa have gathered for a weekend in the summer to learn church leadership skills, explore personal spirituality or just find Sabbath time. Praying The Daily Offices together sets a rhythm and tone for the weekend that culminates in Eucharist on Sunday morning with the Bishop officiating. 7‐8 hours are set aside for “track time” to get in‐depth study in one track topic of your choice. Morning and Evening social time, meals and this year’s “Gathering Session” is time with folks that aren’t in your track.

As the event has grown, we’ve expanded to include the entire family... offering chaperoned lock‐in programs for youth and FREE childcare in the main building for kids entering grade 3 and younger.

Adult Formation Resources

  • Adult Formation ideas submitted by Episcopal churches in Iowa.

  • Adult Formation Resources from FORMA

  • REVIVE: Revive is a 10 month discipleship program to help active lay leaders—wardens, property and finance officers, committee chairs, vestry members, church school teachers, youth ministers, pastoral visitors, and liturgical ministers—grow in confidence as spiritual leaders.

  • Jesus Was an Episcopalian (and you can be one too): Book and a series of videos by Chris Yaw.

  • The Bible Challenge: Read the Bible in a year alongside meditations from biblical scholars or church leaders. Visit the website for ideas to and inspiration.

  • Sharing Faith dinners

  • Good Book Club: read the Bible along with people all across The Episcopal Church

  • The Way of Love: seasonal curriculum to engage the Way of Love

  • Dwelling in the Word: a missional practice of Bible Study that can be used with children through adults.

  • Anglican Essentials: a course of adult catechesis from the Diocese of Alabama.

  • Lesson Plans that Work: Lectionary-based free resource for children, youth and adults from The Episcopal Church.

  • Bible Study: Check out resources from Sermons that Work and Text this Week.

  • Episcopal Bookshelf: Features books written by Episcopalians suitable for clergy, lay leaders, and group discussions.

  • Episcopal Resources for Adult Formation: A curated list of resources for Episcopal adult formation.

  • Exploring the Bible: free curriculum for churches and groups by Forward Movement. 26 sessions, available for all age groups, that "uncovers the vast, sweeping story of God's extraordinary love for ordinary people, in a clear and easy-to-follow format.

  • The School for Formation has free video courses for individuals and groups. Topics include: Bridging the Political Divide for Groups, Family Faith Formation, Spirituality and Racial Justice, Faith and Humor, Faithful Dissent, The Episcopal Way, Is My Loved One Addicted, Whiteness and Racial Justice, Theology and Racial Justice, Reparation and Racial Justice, Racism and Racial Justice, and Water and Justice.

  • Hazelnut Connection: If you're curious about what other people believe, want more about their own faith tradition, or are a seeker looking for a community, Hazelnut Connection is your place. Learn more about world religions, faith, and spirituality.