All Are Invited to Participate in EfM 

Education for Ministry (EfM) is celebrating 50 years of transforming lives through theological reflection and spiritual growth. Developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee), EfM was created to offer lay people a seminary-level formation experience—and more than 120,000 participants worldwide have taken part in this journey. 

EfM is a four-year study program (one year at a time) that follows the Benedictine rhythm of prayer, work, and study. Groups meet weekly for about three hours over 36 weeks, with 6–12 participants per class. There are no tests or grades—just rich conversation, reflection, and growth. 

EfM offers a rare space to talk openly about faith without judgment, deepening our understanding of God and one another. The rewards are truly transforming. 

For more information about EfM please go to Linktr.ee/efm.sewanee.edu.

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, EfM Coordinator -- Diane Hexter: efm@dohio.org. 

Contact one of the Churches that are offering EfM Courses this year 2026-27: 

• Ascension, Lakewood
  • Phone: 216.521.8727
  • Mentor: John Mohlar, johnmohlar@sbcglobal.net, 216.688.5774
  • Mentor: Keira Dodd, keiradodd@yahoo.com, 216.225.6081
  • Meetings are expected to be held Monday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• St. Andrew, Mentor / St. James, Painesville
  • Phone: 440.255.8842
  • Mentor: the Rev. Lisa O’Rear
• St. Barnabas, Bay Village
  • Phone: 440.871.6200
  • Mentor: Susan Meuler, susanlmueller@me.com
  • Co-Mentor: Dr. Rich Oldrieve, oldrieve@aol.com, 440.463.4031
  • Meetings are expected to continue Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• Christ Church, Shaker Heights
  • Phone: 216.991.3431
  • Mentor: Sarah Melvey, sarahmelvey@gmail.com, 757.598.1245
  • Co-Mentor: Lynn Winkelman
  • Meetings are expected to be held Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Christ Church, Hudson
  • Phone: 330.650.4359
  • Mentor: Janet Daniels, janetdaniels@gmail.com
  • Mentor: Medge Karam, midgekaram@gmail.com, 330.554.2866
  • Meetings are expected to be held Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
• Christ Church, Warren
  • Mentor: Mary Jane, maryjane.q@gmail.com, 330.651.4484
  • Co-Mentor: Meg Silver, margaret.silver@columbianaschools.org, 330.501.8649
• St. Matthew’s, Ashland
  • Phone: 419.281.1420
  • Mentor: Dawn Peters, dawn.e.peters@gmail.com, 614.378.0235
  • Meetings are expected to be held Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• St. Michael’s in the Hills, Toledo
  • Phone: 419.531.1616
  • Mentor: the Rev. Gayle Catinella, revgayle@lovelearnserve.org
• Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland
  • Phone: 216.771.3630
  • Mentor: Diane Hexter, efm@dohio.org, 440.590.5950
  • Co-Mentor: Michael Wells, m.wells@csuohio.edu