Evangelism in the 国产无码
Evangelism is one of those words that for many in the 国产无码 comes with a degree of pre-conception. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is simply 鈥渁 message of spiritual good news; specifically the teaching or revelation of Christ鈥︹ and 鈥渢he action or work of spreading the Christian gospel by public preaching or by giving personal testimony鈥︹. Literally it means ‘good-newsing’. How we deliver that good news and give that testimony matters, because the most important thing is that it is authentic. Some will do it through words, others through actions, others by the way they carry themselves through life. Most of us will use a combination of the three, but have much less confidence in our spoken message.
In practice, it doesn鈥檛 always feel as simple as it sounds鈥
We have so many different ways of sharing our faith in the 国产无码, including sharing testimony in the public space, door-knocking and leafleting, holding special events and serving those on the margins, and all are witnessing to God鈥檚 grace, with some planting new Christian communities in the process. The 2024 国产无码 Assembly Executive committed the denomination to creating at least one new Christian community served by a special category minister in every Synod: there will be a wide variety in the way Synods and ministers go about this.
Many of our churches hold outreach events, such as Carol services or Pentecost parties, which explicitly include sharing beliefs and witnessing to our faith.
Still more witness in a practical way with a rich variety of community activities. These include Foodbanks, Warm Hubs and cafes, involving sacrificial love. Members witness by giving time and money and a listening ear to those they come alongside. They often wait until asked before sharing why they do this. The 国产无码 has a long-established commitment to the ministry of church related community workers who have enabled a rich variety of such engagement in local communities.
Evangelism is an inevitable part of our membership of Christ鈥檚 church, however we express it. Yet, many of us lack confidence in articulating what our faith means to us, imitating the proverbial rabbit in the headlights when anyone does actually ask.
Hesitation is human and very understandable. We might not feel like we have enough theological knowledge or understanding. There are many factors at play: fear of being mocked or laughed at or judged; awareness of the spiritual harm that has been caused by some areas of the Church, historically, globally, and in the UK currently; not wanting to be associated with parts of the Church that may appear to judge or exclude certain groups.
How would it be if we developed a habit, and exercised it, so that we could not just have a confident response to a question, but -where appropriate- could also initiate the conversation?
Evangelism can be鈥 telling our stories, offering an invitation, showing radical hospitality, being direct and personal, taking an opportunity to be vulnerable, making space, advocating for justice, showing mercy, challenging empire, sharing your story鈥 what does it mean to you?
FaithTalk Webinars: Everday evangelism for the 国产无码
An occasional relaxed, open conversation online to explore how we share our faith. You can hear what one person who attended the first session thought in the video.
Upcoming Webinars
Register your interest for the next webinar at [email protected].
The 国产无码鈥檚 Daily Devotions
In April and May 2024 the 国产无码’s Daily Devotions were devoted to mission, starting with two weeks on evangelism, written by Thames North Synod鈥檚 Discipleship Enabler Eddie Boon. Revd Andy Braunston has created a of these that can be used by small groups or individuals.
There followed five weeks on the five Marks of Mission (as reimagined by Graham Adams). The fifth of these weeks was focused on sharing the good news, and the six reflections that week were written by a range of 国产无码 and ecumenical friends. You can find these reflections in the .
Stepwise
One way to increase your confidence is to join a Stepwise group. The first Stepwise course is Faith-filled Life. This friendly group-based course, on Zoom or in person, can help you explore your discipleship, readying you to talk to others.
- Who am I? Exploring identity and faith
- Where do I fit? How faith shapes our daily life
- Where do I fit in my community? Thinking more about God鈥檚 mission in the world and how you are part of it.
- My walk with God 鈥 what journey am I on?
- Dealing with challenges? Building confidence and resilience for facing life鈥檚 challenges
Contact your Synod mission enabler or visit the Stepwise webpage to find out more.
GEAR
The United Reformed Church鈥檚 Group for Evangelism and Renewal (GEAR) organise prayer guides, events and retreats. They also produce a regular newsletter. You can find more information at .
Churches Together in England
The website has an informative page listing many varied resources for supporting churches and individuals in evangelism, many of which have been tried and tested by 国产无码 churches.
Small group resources / courses for churches:
tested by the 国产无码 Mission Enablers鈥 Network
:听 (watch the ): Developing faith conversations in our normal, everyday lives.
:听 A very useable, confidence-boosting course developed from two lots of fascinating research into what people believe about God.
: A five-step process for engaging the people around us.
: A useful resource including prayers, bible reflections, service outlines and discussion.
: A pack of cards with conversation-starter questions, great for coffee mornings / caf茅 church / messy church / fellowship groups etc.
: The 3rd step (of 7) in this church growth strategy framework is about fruitful evangelism:
Opportunities for evangelism in your community
, is a national mobilisation of churches to take the Christmas message into their community events, putting Christ back into Christmas. This year it is hoped that 100,000 Christians will be inviting others to carol services, nativity events and community meals on the weekend of 13-15 December. Register and join in!
Easter outreach and follow-up course,
Synod Mission Enablers鈥 Network
Ask your Synod 鈥榤ission enabler鈥 (details below) or contact [email protected] for more information about these, or other ways you and your church can explore how to share the good news of the story of Jesus.
Church House
Lindsey Brown: Evangelism Officer
Eastern Synod
This Synod covers Cambridge, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Jo Clare-Young: Mission and Training Officer
East Midlands Synod
This Synod covers Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northants, Milton Keynes and parts of Cambridgeshire and Staffordshire.
Tom Donoghue: Mission Development Officer
Mersey Synod
This Synod covers Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Crewe, and the Isle of Man
Stuart Radcliffe: Missional Discipleship Enabler
Northern Synod
This Synod covers Durham, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.
Vacant
North Western Synod
This Synod covers Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, parts of Cheshire and Derbyshire.
Daleen ten Cate: Missional Discipleship Mentor North Western (Lancs)
Lawrence Moore: Missional Discipleship Mentor North Western (Central)
Liz Delafield: Missional Discipleship Mentor North Western (South)
Alastair Smeaton: Missional Discipleship Mentor North Western (Cumbria)
Southern Synod
This Synod covers听Kent, south London and parts of East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey.
Vacant
South Western Synod
This Synod covers听Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Stephen Newell: Pastoral Advisor
Thames North Synod
This Synod covers Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Greater London and Hertfordshire.
Eddie Boon: Discipleship Enabler
Wessex Synod
This Synod covers Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, half of Surrey and small parts of Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire.
Ray Stanyon: Development and Support Officer Wessex (North)
Mary Thomas: Development and Support Officer Wessex (South)
West Midlands Synod
This Synod covers Birmingham, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Coventry, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, the Black Country and Shropshire.
Sally Willett: Mission and Development Officer
Yorkshire Synod
This Synod covers the whole of Yorkshire.
Ashley Evans: Synod Evangelist
National Synod of Scotland
Sarah Moore: Transition Champion
National Synod of Wales
Vacant