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In addition to the many community-based ministries that work on behalf of the diocese, these ministries strenghten our diocesan community beyond the individual parishes, and play an integral role in maintaining the unity of our diocese while equipping the saints for Christ's service. These ministries animate our Diocesan Vision under the “areas of focus” of Faith in Formation. To learn more about our Diocesan Vision click here.
Anglican Church Women has its roots in the Women’s Auxiliary to the Missionary Society of the Church of England in Canada, started by its founder, Roberta Tilton, in 1885. Disestablished as a society in 2015, the women of the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia continue to gather for prayer, service, and fellowship under the ACW banner at formal and informal gatherings throughout the year.
Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is a lay ministry, aided by members of the ordained clergy, which serves the church and the world by encouraging, facilitating and promoting the use, understanding, and discipline of prayer. Visit Afp.org for more informatoin
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program of theological study in which, over four years, students learn about the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, church history, ethics, interfaith issues, as well as worship and prayer. A large component of EfM is theological reflection which helps students connect everyday life with their vocation as Christians. EfM upholds an image of a church empowered by active, theologically-literate laity, and a vision of clergy and lay people working together to extend God’s kingdom. EfM is developed and offered by The University of the South, School of Theology, Sewanee Tennessee. It operates worldwide. In Canada, it is administered under license by the diocese of Kootenay. The Rev. Dr. Catherine Hall is the director of EfM Canada.
Structure of EfM Each group of six to 12 members meets weekly for 36 weeks for two-and-a half to three hours. Students are responsible for their own study and learning with each weekly session being monitored by an accredited mentor. EfM is also offered online for those individuals who cannot attend regular meetings because of geography or work.
EfM in the Diocese of British Columbia
Our diocese has over 140 graduates of the program. There are presently three active groups; one each in Victoria, Duncan and Parksville. CONTACT EFM or visit efmcanada.ca
Looking for theological resources? VST has made its course bibliographies available online. Check it out here.