ESFM Year One, Semester One

Sometimes you want to learn a little more than you can get from (or put into) the typical Sunday sermon. Sometimes you want someone else to talk with about that passage you just read or that thorny theological question you’ve been wrestling with. Sometimes you wish that topic had been addressed when you were in school. This October, we are launching The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana School for Faith and Ministry (ESFM) for just such times as these.

Gathering in person one Saturday a month at the Wawasee Retreat Center in Syracuse, ESFM will offer courses on topics such as scripture, church history, liturgical studies, and theology as well as training in practical areas such as leading worship, preaching and visiting the homebound. The materials have been created by the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest and will be led by local facilitators. Whether you are a lay person pursuing spiritual and intellectual enrichment, someone engaged in the process for ordination, or an ordained person seeking to continue your education, you are welcome to become a part of ESFM!

Contact

The Rev. Canon Terri Bays, Ph.D.
Missioner for Transitions and Formation
Email

ESFM dates for the first semester will be: Oct 7, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 20, and Feb 3. On each of these Saturdays, two courses will run at a time in the morning and afternoon:

10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Eastern)
A—Hebrew Scriptures (taught in English): Genesis through Deuteronomy ($250)
B—Theological and Ethical Studies ($250)

1-3 p.m. (Eastern)
A—Church History: Early Church through the Continental Reformation ($250)
B—Liturgical Studies ($250)

3:30-5:30 p.m. (Eastern)
A—Historical/Critical Theory and Practice ($250)
B—Licensed Worship Leader Training ($250)

For each session, participants will read assigned texts and watch video lectures beforehand. They then will come together at Wawasee for facilitated discussion and other activities aimed at engaging the material more deeply. Afterwards, a written assignment will help learning take root and grow. Those completing the five sessions and their related assignments will receive a certificate of participation.