ESFM Year Three, 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. The EDNIN School for Faith and Ministry (ESFM) was created for just such times as these, and we’re about to start a new semester!

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, and pastoral theology/practice as well as training in practical areas such as preaching and the spirituality of stewardship. 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!

ESFM dates for the fall/spring semester will be: October 4, November 8, December 6, January 10, and February 7. Each session will be held at the Wawasee Episcopal Center in Syracuse, Ind.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Eastern)
Academic Session 1A—Hebrew Scriptures I ($250)
The first semester of Hebrew Scriptures focuses on the formation of the Hebrew people from the creation through the downfall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Students will read the Torah and the Histories (Genesis-Chronicles) in English translation. Students taking this course as part of diaconal formation are required to also take Historical Critical Theory and Practice.

Training Session B—Licensed Preacher Training II ($250)
The second semester of training focuses on preaching messages of solace, transformation, and redemption. Attention will be given to using the body and voice as an instrument in preaching.

1-3 p.m. (Eastern)
Academic Session 2A—Cross-Cultural Competency and Conflict Transformation ($250)
This course explores a variety of ways to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one’s own, ways to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy forms of conflict, and ways to respond in a healthy manner to unhealthy forms of conflict.

Academic Session 1B—Liturgical Studies I ($250)
This course introduces the theology and practice of liturgy in the Episcopal Church. Beginning with the history and theology of the Book of Common Prayer, it explores the ways in which the way we pray both shapes and reflects the way we think about God, our neighbor, and ourselves.

3:30-5:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Training Session A—Historical/Critical Theory and Practice ($250)
This course, intended to accompany the first semester of Hebrew Scriptures, explores a variety of lenses through which church leaders might read the Scriptures while providing historical context for our understanding different parts of the Bible as texts.

Academic Session 2B—Theological/Ethical Studies I ($250)
This course introduces the methods of Systematic and Moral Theology, exploring the theological and ethical implications of our beliefs regarding topics such as Sin, Liberation, the Nature of Christ, the Nature of the Trinity, God as Creator, Anthropology, Election, Salvation, and the Nature of the Holy Spirit.

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.

Contact

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