EDSD’s Evangelism 101 course explores a non-anxious form of evangelism rooted in the Episcopal tradition. Students will discuss the theological roots of the gospel and how to lead a congregation toward evangelistic practice by example. Those that finish the course may be nominated for lay evangelist licensing.
Knowing and sharing your story
Evangelism is the act of sharing the story of Jesus’s good news in our lives, our congregations, and the world around us. Christians throughout history have believed that God changes lives. The word “metanoia” is used in Scripture to mean a complete change of mind, heart, or way of life in response to what God has done. This week, we discussed resources and principles to assist you in sharing the good news.
Assignment: Sharing your “testimony” means sharing the story of Jesus’s good news in your life. Write and share your story with someone you love and trust. To find a brief tutorial for sharing your good news story click here.
Evangelism begins by noticing the good news of God’s presence in your life. This week, we practiced the examen–a simple prayer practice that cultivates your awareness of God’s activity in your life. Once you understand God’s activity in your own life, you will begin to notice at work in the world around you. We discussed how community engagement practices can assist us in engaging others in our neighborhood. EDSD’s Invite-A-Friend Sunday initiative was briefly discussed, as well.
Assignment: Using the practices of observation and curiosity, you are to have a 1-to-1 conversation with a personal or neighborhood connection in which you seek to notice the good news in the other and–where appropriate–invite someone to an experience at your church.
Every week, the good news of Jesus is shared in every congregation. Inviting people to church is sharing God’s good news! When you experience a warm welcome, you are more open to hearing good news. We discuss preparing your members and congregation as a whole in the practices of inviting visitors, engaging them when they arrive, and encouraging retention.
Licensing
Those who finish the course may be nominated for lay evangelist licensing.
Contact Canon Jason Evans (jevans@edsd.org) with any questions.
