Training Opportunities

in the

Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

Basic Mentor Training

I. Purpose

The purpose of Basic Mentor Training is to discern with the first time participant whether he or she has the desire and skills to become a mentor for the Education for Ministry program and to support the mentor in his or her first years of work with an EFM group. It allows an EFM trainer the opportunity to evaluate the skills of each trainee and to certify as mentor those who qualify.

Il. Persons Who May Attend

1. Anyone interested in becoming an EFM mentor and who meets the criteria below.
2. An EFM mentor who has attended mentor training once before and needs to update his or her certification.
3. An EFM mentor who has attended mentor training twice and would like more work on the skills of theological reflection.
4. A person who wishes to replace a mentor who is leaving a group.
5. Someone who wants firsthand information about EFM and the training program but may not be ready or willing to mentor yet.

III. The Role of the Mentor

1. To facilitate and guide the seminar group in all aspects of the program.
2. To be the administrator of the group for The School of Theology.

IV. Some Criteria for Persons Seeking to Become an EFM Mentor

1. To have made contact with and been invited by a diocesan coordinator to attend training (for those who live in EFM sponsored dioceses).
2. To wish to be a companion/guide to women and men as they undertake an intensive theological education program.
3. To be able to articulate one's own thoughts and feelings, show understanding of the thoughts and feelings of others, respond effectively to conflict and group dynamics, and be an enabler rather than a teacher.
4. To be mature in a life of faith, comfortable with the diversity of our rich biblical tradition, and familiar with the study of biblical criticism.
5. To be willing and able to manage administrative responsibilities in a timely fashion.

V. What is Covered

1. The nature and purpose of the EFM program.
2. The four-source model of theological reflection and the methods used by the EFM program to facilitate reflection and gather learnings.
3. The place and purpose of spiritual autobiographies in the EFM program.
4. Group skills and resources for where to go if problems occur within the seminar group.
5. Worship as a part of an EFM group.
6. Current administrative procedures for the program.
7. Recruiting and beginning a seminar group.
8. Conducting an EFM seminar.

During a mentor training the majority of time will be involved with developing skills for theological reflection. Certification by the trainer is necessary before the first-time mentor begins a group.

VI. Duration of Training

The training is on-site, intensive, and takes 18 contact hours. Basic Mentor training usually involves six to eight participants and one mentor trainer. Full participation is mandatory. Information on events scheduled in the United States may be obtained from your EFM coordinator or by contacting The School of Theology Programs Center.

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The School of Theology Programs Center
The University of the South
335 Tennessee Avenue
Sewanee, Tennessee 37383-0001
800/722-1974 (Voice): 615/598-1165 (FAX)

This site designed and managed by R.VAN Associates, Richard Vanderlippe, Owner

	Training Opportunities in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
	Basic Mentor Training I. Purpose The purpose of Basic Mentor Training is to discern with the first time participant whether he or she has the desire and skills to become a mentor for the Education for Ministry program and to support the mentor in his or her first years of work with an EFM group. It allows an EFM trainer the opportunity to evaluate the skills of each trainee and to certify as mentor those who qualify. Il. Persons Who May Attend 1. Anyone interested in becoming an EFM mentor and who meets the criteria below. 2. An EFM mentor who has attended mentor training once before and needs to update his or her certification. 3. An EFM mentor who has attended mentor training twice and would like more work on the skills of theological reflection. 4. A person who wishes to replace a mentor who is leaving a group. 5. Someone who wants firsthand information about EFM and the training program but may not be ready or willing to mentor yet. III. The Role of the Mentor 1. To facilitate and guide the seminar group in all aspects of the program. 2. To be the administrator of the group for The School of Theology. IV. Some Criteria for Persons Seeking to Become an EFM Mentor 1. To have made contact with and been invited by a diocesan coordinator to attend training (for those who live in EFM sponsored dioceses). 2. To wish to be a companion/guide to women and men as they undertake an intensive theological education program. 3. To be able to articulate one's own thoughts and feelings, show understanding of the thoughts and feelings of others, respond effectively to conflict and group dynamics, and be an enabler rather than a teacher. 4. To be mature in a life of faith, comfortable with the diversity of our rich biblical tradition, and familiar with the study of biblical criticism. 5. To be willing and able to manage administrative responsibilities in a timely fashion. V. What is Covered 1. The nature and purpose of the EFM program. 2. The four-source model of theological reflection and the methods used by the EFM program to facilitate reflection and gather learnings. 3. The place and purpose of spiritual autobiographies in the EFM program. 4. Group skills and resources for where to go if problems occur within the seminar group. 5. Worship as a part of an EFM group. 6. Current administrative procedures for the program. 7. Recruiting and beginning a seminar group. 8. Conducting an EFM seminar. During a mentor training the majority of time will be involved with developing skills for theological reflection. Certification by the trainer is necessary before the first-time mentor begins a group. VI. Duration of Training The training is on-site, intensive, and takes 18 contact hours. Basic Mentor training usually involves six to eight participants and one mentor trainer. Full participation is mandatory. Information on events scheduled in the United States may be obtained from your EFM coordinator or by contacting The School of Theology Programs Center. Return to the top The School of Theology Programs Center The University of the South 335 Tennessee Avenue Sewanee, Tennessee 37383-0001 800/722-1974 (Voice): 615/598-1165 (FAX)

	This site designed and managed by R.VAN Associates, Richard Vanderlippe, Owner