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May, 1998 - Vol. XXVII No. 1
Baptismal Ministry: Discussion-Programs-Processes

"Developing the Ministry of the Laity"
by Barbara Ross

 

 

Several excellent programs are available to congregations seeking to develop the ministry of the laity.

Education for Ministry (EFM)

    Education for Ministry is a four-year educational program to empower the ministry of the laity. It uses materials developed by the Episcopal School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Over 30,000 students in the United States have participated in this program.
    EFM groups consist of six to twelve persons who study under the guidance of a trained mentor. Over the four-year cycle, they study the entire sweep of Christian tradition from the earliest period to the present. Students learn the disciplines of biblical exegesis and interpretation, systematic theology, church history, ethics, liturgics, and ascetical theology. However, the scope of EFM goes well beyond merely acquiring knowledge. Through the use of theological reflection, EFM encourages students to see that everything they do in their day-to-day lives has the potential for manifesting the love of Christ.
    Most EFM groups meet weekly during the nine-month academic year. These meetings are usually from two-and-a half to three hours in length.
    Students also spend two to four hours per week in preparation. Tuition is $295 per academic year, which includes a partial subsidy from the Diocese of Oregon. There are EFM groups currently meeting at several locations throughout the diocese including All Saints, Portland; Christ Church, Lake Oswego; Good Samaritan, Corvallis; St. John the Baptist, Portland; St. John's, Milwaukie; St. Paul's, Salem; and Trinity Cathedral. Plans are underway for a new group on the South Coast. Training for EFM mentors in the diocese is offered in May and September. Further information is available from our diocesan contact, The Rev. Lucy Houser. She may be reached at Grace Memorial Church (503) 287-0418 or via e-mail at LuHou@aol.com.

Leadership Skills Institute (LSI)

    The Leadership Skills Institute provides opportunity for experiential education in effective group leadership. LSI consists of two one-week sessions. Phase I is human relations training in group process, while Phase II provides training in a particular model of educational design. Skills developed through experience in Phase I of LSI include how to:

 

There are two opportunities to attend Phase I on the West Coast this summer.

(Cost includes tuition plus room and board)

For further information and/or registration forms, contact Arlene Ullman at arleneu@diocese-oregon.org    or phone(503) 636-5613.

Leadership Program for Musicians Serving Small Congregations (LPM)

    Oregon is one of two dioceses in the nation to successfully pioneer the two-year Leadership Program for Musicians, an innovative program designed to equip both lay people and clergy for effective music ministry in small to medium-sized congregations. LPM uses a manual prepared by the Standing Commission on Church Music as the guideline for teaching courses in music, liturgy, and pastoral skills. Those who successfully complete the two-year program receive The Presiding Bishop's Diploma in Church Music. Training for diocesan coordinators is provided through Virginia Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Further information is available locally from Betty Jean Bartholomew, program coordinator, (503) 345-9014; or The Rev. Sherman Hesselgrave, co-convener of the Liturgical & Music Commission, sherman@rosenet.net (541) 673-4048.

Spiritual Direction Ministry Training Program

    The Shalom Prayer Center in Mt. Angel offers a Spiritual Direction Ministry Training Program. The Center, a ministry of Queen of Angels Monastery, is rooted in the tradition of Benedictine spirituality. It provides a peaceful environment where men and women of all faiths and cultural traditions are welcome to seek wholeness and deepen their relationship with God. Shalom, the Hebrew word meaning peace, inspires the mission of fostering well-being in daily life and harmony with nature and ourselves. Staff members are available to accompany individuals in a relationship of trust and listening. Further information is available by calling (503) 845-6773.

Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay person to provide distinctly Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing a variety of life needs and circumstances. These needs include, but are not limited to, those who are hospitalized, terminally ill, grieving, homebound, separated or divorced, in spiritual crisis, or facing any other kind of life transition. Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who, after receiving 50 hours of initial training, are matched with a care-receiver. Respecting confidentiality is an important aspect of a Stephen Minister's initial training. Stephen Ministers agree to visit their care-receivers regularly and to participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders. Stephen Ministers commit to serve for at least two years and to receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.
    Among the congregations in the diocese with active Stephen Ministers are Good Samaritan, Corvallis (coordinated through the Chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital); St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville; St. Paul's, Salem; and St. Timothy's, Salem. A 10-day training for Stephen Leaders is offered periodically throughout the year. Further information is available from Stephen Ministries, 8016 Dale, St. Louis, Missouri 63117-1449 or telephone (314) 645-5511.

 

Barbara is a member of the staff of St. Paul’s, Salem, as well as the diocesan Department of Christian Education.
You can reach her at stpauls@open.org

   

© 2001, Diocese of Oregon
updated 05/03/2003 16:23
contact: kylew@diocese-oregon.org