Since 1979 EfM has been providing high quality education for lay people (and many clergy). Over 1000 New Zealanders are among the 120,000 people who have explored their faith through EfM goups.

Our Courses

EfM has four programmes. All our programmes are offered as groups learning experiences.

EfM: Classic

EfM: Classic is a four year programme that covers Christian Scripture, Church History, Christian Ethics and Spirituality. The four years all have a central question
Year 1: Who is Israel? – The Old Testament
Year 2:Who is Jesus? – The New Testament
Year 3:Who and What Is the Church in the World? – The history of the global church and of Christianity in Aotearoa
Year 4:Who Are We in the World? – A study of Christian ethics and spiritual practices

EFM: Wide Angle

A one year programme that can be done stand-alone, or before, after or part way through the four year programme. The material covers all of the areas touched by the 4 year course but with a different view.

The Church in Aotearoa/New Zealand

This is an 11 week look at the history of Christianity in Aotearoa.

Faith Grounded in the Whenua

A 4 week course looking at how our faith is (or isn’t) grounded in New Zealand. This course is available for any church to run. The leader needs to be approved by EfM but does not need to be an accredited mentor

Full Year Courses

Each year of the EfM programme covers 36 sessions, framed into four units of study, as well as two “Community Gatherings” in which participants in all years of the EfM programme read a common text. Pathwright is a learning application which contains the framework for each year of study, guiding participants through their learning with questions and reflections to stimulate their study and thinking, and to guide their group discussion.

Each year EfM focuses on a particular theme:

2026: The Journey with God
2027: Following Jesus
2028: Listening to the Spirit
2029: Engaging the World

The cycle will be repeated starting in 2030.

EfM Groups

The EfM group is the heart of the EfM programme, where people meet regularly for discussion, reflection, worship, prayer and fellowship.

Who can join an EfM Group

Anyone can join an EfM group: EfM is an adult learning programme with participants aged from their 20s to their 80s. EfM is particularly suitable for those who may have undertaken other Christian education or Bible study and are thirsty for a course that delves more deeply into scripture, faith and life. Once formed a group is closed. Not having new people joining during the year helps build the sense of community.

 How often does an EfM group meet?

EfM groups meet weekly for 2-3 hours. The EfM curriculum is designed for 36 weekly sessions over a 12 month period.

Where does an EfM group meet?

EfM groups can meet anywhere – some meet in people’s homes, others meet in church lounges. There are also groups meeting by Zoom.

How long does the EfM programme last?

EfM offers two programmes:
EfM: Classic – this whole programme takes four years but participants only commit of one year at a time. Group members sign up for one year at a time.
EfM: Wide Angle – this is a single year programme that covers all the areas of the 4 year course but without the same depth.
A group can have people doing either or both programmes.

From time to time short courses lasting 4 to 11 weeks are offered.

How big is an EfM group?

An EfM group comprises 5 to 12 members.

Who leads an EfM group?

A trained mentor who has been accredited by EfM trainers leads an EfM group. Sometimes groups have a co-mentor, to assist the mentor and gain experience in mentoring alongside the mentor.

 What is the role of the EfM mentor?

The mentor is guide, enabler and companion, who facilitates group discussion and leads the group through the process of theological reflection. Group members are responsible for their own reading and preparation (about 3-5 hours each week of their own time), attending group meetings, and actively participating in the discussion and group activities. The mentor does not teach the material.

 What happens at each meeting?

An EfM meeting involves worship/prayer, fellowship, discussion of the readings, and other group activities such as theological reflection. Once a group is established, group members share responsibility for leading worship.

 How many groups are there in New Zealand?

At the beginning of 2026 there were three groups. Two are based in wellington and meet face to face. The third is a zoom group with members from throughout New Zealand. All the groups are multi-year groups with participants in at least 2 years. This model works because the study material (specific to each year level) is only one part of what an EfM group does together. The Respond and Reflection steps for each week draw out common themes for reflection and discussion across all years of study.

How do I join an EfM group?

While EfM groups can start at any time of the year, in New Zealand they normally start in February. A group is formed when a trained mentor is ready to start a group or recruit new members. Contact the Administrator who will put you in contact with a current group that is accepting new members, or will record your details to pass on to a mentor when starting a new group in your area. A group needs a minimum of 4 members plus an accredited mentor in order to start.

 I am interested but there is no local mentor or group I can join ‒ how do I encourage my parish or faith community to start EfM?

The first step is to identify someone who might be a suitable EfM mentor and encourage them to attend mentor training. It is helpful, but not essential, for a mentor to have done EfM. Potential mentors need to have done some theological study, have good small group facilitation skills, and be able to foster a group environment of mutual respect for diversity. Mentor training events are held regularly in various parts of the country. Click here for details of forthcoming training events.

 What if we have a few people interested but not enough to start a group?

EfM is well-suited to involving people from different Christian faith communities. Several groups based in Wellington, for example, draw together people from several parishes across the city. EfM is also ecumenical, and is a good way to establish links with other local churches.

Zoom groups allow EfM to be offered in small communities where the minimum number of people for a group are unlikely to be found.

Looking for more? Read about Theological Reflection, how EfM Links Life and Faith, or our Frequently Asked Questions.