Core
Practices
Practices
Sources
of Wisdom
of Wisdom
Theological
Reflection
Reflection
EfM
Odds and Ends
Odds and Ends
Program Structure
100
Lisa shares "kindling" which her group will use to kick off a directed conversation using the movements of Identify, Explore, Connect, and Apply.
What is an activity of the Core Practice: Theological Reflection?
100
Malia shares an article from the local paper that reported on the release of a university study about poverty in the United States.
What is an item from the Culture Source?
100
The group discusses the "kindling" presented by a group member. They narrow it down to one focus and create an image or focus statement.
What is the Identify Movement.
100
This study area can be taken at any time, before, after, or in the middle of EfM:Classic.
What is EfM: Wide Angle?
100
36
How many group sessions make up the program?
200
Group members collaborate in the construction of their group's Covenant.
What is an activity of the Core Practice: Living in Community.
200
Andy shares his favorite Old Testament passage.
What is an item from the Christian Tradition Source?
200
The group discusses the focus in light of questions from the areas of Wholeness, Brokenness, Recognition, Reconciliation, and Redemption.
What is the Explore Movement?
200
In EfM seminars and training events, Mentors, Trainers, Staff commit to:
- Creating spaces of deep respect and interpersonal and intrapersonal safety and bravery
- Safeguarding participants from harassment, bullying, or intimidation
- Centering authenticity and mutual transformation, rather than assimilation or silence
- Naming power dynamics that privilege dominant cultural norms
- Providing a space and opportunity for people to challenge and explore universal narratives
- Fostering curiosity and courage, not consensus or conformity, in our conversations and theological reflections
- Listening with “the ear of the heart” across difference to be open to God’s surprising revelation through the unexpected voice
What is the EfM Commitment to Radical Inclusivity and Transformative Community?
200
2
How many Community Gatherings are there in a program year?
300
Cathy's EfM group is discovering their spiritual gifts by taking surveys and discussing the results.
What is an activity in the Core Practice: Vocational Discernment?
300
Jeanine shares that, in her opinion, a state's budget is a moral document.
What is an item from the Position (a.k.a. Personal Opinion/Belief) Source?
300
The having discussed the focus from one wisdom source, group connects the focus to the three other sources of wisdom.
What is the Connect Movement?
300
EfM's theme for 2026 - 2027.
What is Following Jesus?
300
4
How many essays has our Sojourner written for us?
400
Ann goes on line to Pathwright, finds the Engage Step for the week, clicks on the tab for her year, reads Setting the Stage and Focus Questions sections, then tackles the assignments.
What is an activity of the Core Practice: Study of Christian Tradition.
400
Mary shares an incident that happened to her that she would like to explore.
What is an item from Personal Experience (a.k.a. the Action) Source?
400
The group discusses insights and implications, and what they will take with them into the next week.
What is the Apply Movement?
400
It is the narrative of significant events, people, and places that have shaped our relationship with God.
What is a spiritual autobiography?
400
Who is the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, our Sojourner for Following Jesus program year.
500
Ann shares a favorite prayer at the beginning of the session.
What is an item from the Core Practice: Regular Prayer and Worship?
500
The Four Sources of Wisdom.
What are Culture, Position (or Personal Belief or Opinion), Christian Tradition (or Tradition), and Action (or Personal Experience?
500
The 4 Movements of Theological Reflection.
What are Identify, Explore, Connect, and Apply.
500
These study areas must be taken in order, but not necessarily over 4 consecutive years.
What are EfM:Classic, Year 1 (or Old Testament), Year 2 (or New Testament), Year 3 (or Christian History), and Year 4 (Christian Ethics and Spirituality)?
500
On Pathwright.
Where can I find my EfM weekly assignments?