ORIGINAL TEXT

Resolution A037

Title:   Evangelism

Topic:   Evangelism

Committee:   Evangelism

House of Initial Action:   Deputies

Proposer:   Domestic Mission and Evangelism

Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, That the 75th General Convention reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission and to double the church by 2020; and be it further
Resolved, That every lay person, bishop, priest, and deacon of our church exercise personal evangelism by talking intentionally about what God is doing in our lives and what our church is doing and by inviting neighbors, family, and friends to worship with us; and be it further
Resolved, That General Convention direct Church Center staff to develop practical resources and training for personal and congregational evangelism with diverse populations including among others young adults, ethnic and racial populations, and new immigrants.
 

EXPLANATION

All are called to witness to our faith. The Catechism states, "The ministry of a lay person is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church" (BCP 855). Some, however, are called to the particular ministry of evangelist (Ephesians 4:11). Those who are gifted with presenting the Gospel in a compelling way need to be identified, trained, sent and encouraged.