For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in numbers. No, I’m not a mathematician. Not even close. It’s more about being aware of the frequency with which I see them and what’s weighing heavy on my heart at the time. Most mornings I wake up at 2:22, 3:33, or 4:44 a.m. It never fails that as I prepare my second cup of coffee in the morning, I glance at the clock on the stove, and it’s 5:55. What is it about numbers? Scripture is filled with numbers. In Genesis, we read what God created on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and that he rested on day 7. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. We have 12 disciples, 12 tribes. Over the years, I’ve learned to pay attention to the number 3. The trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Christ died, and on the third day he rose again. Three for me is the number of times that I believe God nudges me in the direction I need to follow.
In 2011, I arrived early for the 10:30 a.m. worship service and read through the bulletin, where I saw an article about Education for Ministry (EfM). I thought that sounded interesting, and then it left my mind. The following Sunday, during the passing of the peace, Betty Jo Dulaney, who was sitting in the pew in front of me, asked if I’d thought about taking EfM. I said I read about it last week, it sounded interesting, and I would do some research. Before the week was out, and before I had done any research, I received a phone call from Martin Jellinek, who was the EfM mentor at the time. When he mentioned he was calling regarding EfM, I said, “Say no more, I’ll do it! What do I need to do, and to whom do I write the check?” That started a journey that I will be forever grateful for.
What is EfM, and what about it has attracted over 120,000 graduates from all over the world over the past 50 years? EfM is
In early June, I attended the 50th anniversary of EfM in Sewanee, where participants and leaders from across the globe gathered to celebrate 50 years of Engaging, Responding, and Reflecting. It was an incredible week where I learned how EfM was started because of revisions being made to the Book of Common Prayer and the church emphasizing the ministry of all baptized Christians, not just ordained clergy and bishops. A lot has changed in the world since the first groups began working in 1975, so this year EfM is changing too. It’s now called EfM Classic. We’re still studying the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, church history, and Christian theology, and adding new online resources, including multimedia content that enhances or replaces some of the reading. In addition, there is a new option called Wide Angle, which is a single year of EfM with its own material covering the Classic topics.
So I ask, what numbers do you see frequently, and what is God nudging you to do?
Richard, I know EfM has been a very fulfilling calling in your life, and I know the people that you’ve worked with in EfM have been blessed by your leadership.
As for numbers, the ones I’m most concerned with are in my blood panels since they indicate a need to improve my diet. This is represents a real crisis in my life, as God is apparently nudging me (via my physician) to make fewer trips to Frost Bakery and the bar at Mollys La Casita. This is my 40 days in the desert.
Thanks for all you do, Richard!!!
Beau, Thank you! I’m willing to take your spot at Frost Bakery if it will help your numbers.
Richard, I loved reading this and your journey… Thank You very much. 444
Thank you David! Hope all is well.
Thank you for this thoughtful and fascinating reflection on paying attention to God’s nudges.
Thank you!
Well, you went in a totally different direction than I anticipated! I just knew this was going to have something to do with thermostats and the summer sun! Your thoughts are very encouraging.
Thank you Jackson and yes thermostat numbers are on my mind.
You are number one in my book!
Thank you my friend.
Richard, such an EFM-centered reflection. We learn to listen to the patterns in scripture and apply them to life. I’m glad I could be the Eli to your Samuel.
Peace, Martin
So thankful for leadership in EfM as well as you friendship. Peace
Great comments, Richard. You make EFM all it should be for your students.
Thank you!
Loved reading this. We are so blessed by your work and dedication.
Thank you Diane. Hope you had a wonderful trip.
Your passion and leadership for EfM is such a blessing. I expected rigorous reading and wonderful discussions. What I didn’t expect was how important you and the other participants would become to me. Numbers aside, thank you!
Love our EfM community.
They say good things come in three’s. I was fortunate enough to have you, Betty Jo, and Martin during my four years in EfM. Each one of you provided thoughtful and spiritual insight into our weekly journey. I was truly blessed to be a part of this spiritual quest!
Joe, we were blessed with your presence as well.
Little did I know that EFM would lead me straight to the Basement Church. Thank you, my friend, for putting me on a journey that just keeps going and going.
And thank you for being a part of mine.
Thanks for your leadership and contagious enthusiasm about EFM, Richard. For me the number is 2 as I begin Year 2 with you and our fabulous Wednesday morning group. I so hope others will join us. You won’t regret it!
I don’t think I missed Calvary much until I read this. You were a blessing. Always kind, always helpful when I spotted a homeless man or woman who needed help just outside the church. God bless you.
Thank you for the kind words Pat. Hope all is well with you
I have never regretted my four years in EFM. It was one of the most faith building experiences of my Christian life. The group I was in was a joyful experience of spiritual growth … even those times I threw my bible on the floor and then scrambled to pick it back up!
Oh Linda, I think of you fondly each yearly when we talk about the trinity. Holding and sometimes carrying each other on the Efm journey is one of the greatest joys my friend.
This is a beautiful reflection. I loved being in your EFM class and miss you and my classmates. It is a wonderful program- one where inner change sneaks up on you in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Thanks for everything you do.
Christine, Thank you for the kind words. As a mentor watching that change occur is one of the greatest gifts. The second greatest gift is watching that change continue to blossom after you’ve graduated EfM.
Richard, I almost missed this. You write beautifully, but your warm smile and gracious way of living your Truth is even more beautiful!
Indeed, like you, I’m a numbers person, too. It’s so wonderful to be journeying with a kindred spirit like you!
Sherry, thank you for the kind words. I’d mention we were kindered spirits and you said the same thing. It must be true.