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EfM is called Education for Ministry but make no mistake – it is a reading and discussion group for lay people.

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.

While the Education for Ministry program is a four-year curriculum, participants enroll for one year at a time. Each program year is 36-weeks long, running from September through May.

Annual EfM tuition is paid at the time of enrollment. Participants who enroll under the Diocese of West Missouri institutional sponsorship pay an annual discounted tuition of $325, which includes the yearly Reading and Reflection Guide. New or used additional reading material for years 1-4 can be obtained from any source.

Our diocesan Spiritual Formation Commission considers EfM to be a ‘best practice’ in adult education. To encourage and support participation, $125 is available to help students defray the remaining cost of books and registration upon request. Please contact Kim for more information. Additional scholarships and discounted tuition is also possible by applying directly through EfM studies through the University of the South | Sewanee.

Led by mentors trained to facilitate the EfM experience, learn why thinking theologically and reflecting faithfull shapes faith into action!

Fall classes are forming now! To enroll, please contact Kim by August 30 at formation@diowestmo.org.

  • St. Paul’s, KC – Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9 pm (Hybrid); Contact: Marie Thompson
  • Good Shepherd, KC – Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30 pm (Hybrid); Contacts: Jan Carter and Rev. Larry Ehren
  • St. John’s, Springfield – In-person on Thursdays evening beginning at 6:15 pm; Contact: John Svagera

Kim Snodgrass is Assistant to the Bishop for Christian Formation.