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.
Evangelism 101: From My Story to God’s Mission
Evangelism doesn’t begin with having the right words. It begins with paying attention—learning to notice where God is already at work in our lives and in the lives of the people around us.
Over four monthly sessions, we’ll explore evangelism as a practice of noticing and announcing God’s good news. Through practical exercises between sessions, participants will learn to recognize and share their own story of faith, listen deeply to the stories of others, practice authentic invitation, and develop an Invitation Plan to help their congregation become more intentional about reaching and welcoming others.
This is a hands-on course: participants will practice what they are learning in everyday relationships and reflect on those experiences through a simple daily Examen and “God Sightings” journal.
We’ll begin by asking, “What has God done in me?” and end by asking, “What might God do through us?”
This training is required for Lay Licensed Evangelist Nominees.
Four monthly Zoom sessions • Third Thursdays • September–December • 60 minutes each
September 17 — Knowing My Story
Evangelism is often described as noticing and announcing God’s good news in the world around us. But before we can recognize God’s activity in the lives of others, we first learn to recognize God’s activity in our own.
October 15 — Hearing God’s Story
Every person has a story, and God is already present in every story. One of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is our full attention. Before Christians are called to speak, we are called to listen. Jesus consistently met people with curiosity, compassion, and genuine interest. He asked questions, listened deeply, and created space for people to tell the truth about their lives. Only then did he help them recognize the good news that God was already bringing into their story.
November 19 — Sharing God’s Story
Invitation is one of the simplest—and often most intimidating—practices of Christian discipleship. Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing, being rejected, or making someone uncomfortable. But throughout the Gospels, Jesus rarely pressured people. Instead, he invited them. His first disciples did the same. Philip simply said to Nathanael, “Come and see.” Christian invitation has always been less about convincing people and more about creating opportunities for people to encounter Christ for themselves.
December 17 — Inviting Others into the Story
Healthy evangelism is not sustained by individuals alone. Congregations become welcoming communities when ordinary people work together as clergy and lay leaders to create a culture of invitation, hospitality, and belonging. Churches grow not simply because people invite their friends, but because congregations intentionally prepare to receive the people God sends. They teach and model invitation, equip members with practical tools, create clear pathways into community, and organize teams that help newcomers find a place to belong.
Licensing
Those who finish the course may be nominated for lay evangelist licensing.
Contact Canon Jason Evans (jevans@edsd.org) with any questions.
