EfM offers a four-year programme where participants enrol for only one year at a time.We do EfM in small groups led by trained mentors. The meetings draw from the preparation each member can do. This is mainly reading set texts and the Bible and will include personal experiences, reflections and the stories of everyday life. We are grateful for what people bring, in all its diversity.

The set texts form four streams, of one year each. They are by recognised writers in biblical studies, theology, history and aspects of faith. You are welcome to read other writers too. Alongside this we read two ‘Interlude texts’ each year which introduce us to important theologians.

We offer in person and online meetings; giving us the opportunity to welcome participants from a wider geographical area.

The group mentor fosters its growth as a learning community by:

• hosting a welcoming space,

• offering a framework for discussion,

• encouraging weekly worship, and

• ensuring the well-being of the group.

We regularly reflect on our faith tradition, our culture, our personal experiences and our responses. We do this using the four source model, in a way developed by our sister organisation in the USA, Education for Ministry. This model gives us an organised way to have theological discussions on the issues that we experience in our reading and in our daily lives.

In 2023-24 as well as our online group we have in person meetings in Edinburgh and Saddleworth.