Programs Center

The School of Theology Programs Center offers programs for adults that are intended to equip Christians to live out their lives and ministry in response to their baptismal vows. Special workshops, events, leadership training, and continuing education opportunities are available for clergy and laity alike.

EDUCATION for MINISTRY (EfM)
Education for Ministry (EfM) is an international program of lay theological education established in 1975. Participants in the EfM program study the breadth of the Christian tradition from the earliest period to the present. Students learn the disciplines of biblical critical interpretation (exegesis), systematic theology, church history, ethics, liturgics, and ascetical theology.
Students belong to small “communities of learning” or seminars in which the events of each person’s life may be examined in the light of the materials being studied. While the course materials provide substantial academic content, the focus of the program is on life as ministry and in understanding that ministry.

The EfM program, which can be completed in four years, provides Christians with the basic skills in theological reflection, which lay the foundation of Christian ministry. Through this process, students sharpen their skills of personal and cultural assessment and enhance their ability to be effective in a variety of ministries.

EfM seminar groups can be organized in any locality where six to 12 students and a trained mentor can meet for weekly sessions during any nine-month academic cycle. EfM is also available completely on-line for students unable to join a local group. Tuition fees vary, depending upon the kind of sponsorship is extended by the diocese or other local church judicatories. Continuing Education Units (CEU) are awarded in accordance with the standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

THE CENTER FOR MINISTRY IN SMALL CHURCHES (CMSC)
CMSC offers clergy and laity practical cooperative experiences in small church ministry and management to encourage and support them in their work and mission. This is done through a variety of ways: In-church training, workshops presented at Sewanee or elsewhere, vestry retreats, help with discerning and applying new models of ministry, and assistance with finding resource materials. CMSC is willing to work with Episcopal dioceses and other denominations to develop programs to meet small congregational needs.

Inquiries about these programs should be directed to the School of Theology Programs Center, 335 Tennessee Avenue, Sewanee, TN 37383-0001. For general information, visit theology.sewanee.edu or www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm; or Email: theology@sewanee.edu

Bishops-in-Residence
Bishops-in-Residence are those bishops invited to spend one week at the School of Theology for a time of reflection, recreation, study, and spiritual renewal. They participate as fully as they choose in the life of the community. Although there is no formal program, bishops frequently celebrate, preach, lecture, or otherwise share their experiences and insights with the seminary.

Fellows-in-Residence
Fellows-in-Residence are clergy and laity who are invited to spend two weeks at the School of Theology for a time of reflection, recreation, study, and sharing in community. While there is no formal program, fellows are provided with faculty consultants, if they so desire, and opportunities to attend classes and other University events.

Scholars-in-Residence
The Scholars-in-Residence program is provided for those who wish to spend a period of time at the School of Theology in private study. People interested in this program should write to the associate dean for academic affairs of the School of Theology to make arrangements for living, study, and advisement as well as for costs involved.

Lectures
The School of Theology sponsors five major lecture series. The DuBose Lectures are usually held in the fall at the time of the alumni/ae gathering. Endowed by an initial gift from the Rev. Jack C. Graves and substantially increased by a gift from Miss Margaret (Peggy) A. Chisholm of Laurel, Miss., and New York City, the lectures memorialize William Porcher DuBose, second dean of the School of Theology. These lectures focus annually on a topic of wide appeal in the church.

In the spring, the Beattie and Arrington Lectures are given in alternate years and usually focus on more scholarly topics. The Samuel Marshall Beattie Lectures have been made possible by Ruth McGee Beattie as a memorial to her husband. The Arrington Lectures have been funded by Cornelia G.C. Arrington as “a Thank Offering for four John White Arringtons.”

The Belford Lectures were established in 1988, bringing to the Sewanee campus renowned speakers who provide current insight in Christian/Jewish relations. The lecture series is endowed in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Lee Archer Belford, a 1938 graduate of the School of Theology, for his lifelong involvement and contributions to Jewish-Christian dialogue.

The Bayard Hale Jones Memorial Lectureship in Liturgics was established by Emily S. Jones in honor of her husband. Jones was acting dean of the School of Theology from1939 to 1940 and the first Benedict Professor of Ecclesiastical History from 1939 to 1957. He was regarded as an international authority on the liturgy of the Episcopal Church and The Book of Common Prayer.

Continuing Education throughout the year continuing education opportunities provide for religious growth. These include travel abroad, educational conferences, lecture series, and personal study opportunities.