The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas

Evangelism update

vangelism" comes from the Greek word that means "Good News," and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ has been on the forefront of diocesan initiatives this year. Congregations have brought Christ to their surrounding communities in new ways, and the Diocesan Evangelism Initiative has continued to serve as a resource for equipping
them for personal and
parish evangelism.

1) Harvest Unlimited — This innovative organization provides local parishes with a systematic approach to identify, invite, and pray for thousands of unchurched families that live within just a few miles. Harvest sets up "telephone call centers" for parishioners to invite people who do not have a church home and offer to pray for them. The results have been beyond their expectations, given parishes a mission vision, and strengthened their faith as they stepped out of their comfort zones.

2) Evangelism Leadership Network — This network of lay people, who are interested in equipping themselves for evangelism, has grown. Twenty new people have joined the 80 that Bishop Stanton commissioned in May 2006. They serve as evangelism leaders in their respective parishes, and individuals, such as David Gish from St. Paul's (Greenville), are now teaching and engaging in evangelism throughout
the diocese.

3) Conferences — for the entire diocese featured experts in evangelism, apologetics, and church growth.
The Rev. Dr. Peter Walker, Oxford University, spoke on the Historical Jesus at various parishes, including
St. Luke's (Denison). Rev. Dr. Chris Wright, director of John Stott Ministries Worldwide, introduced a biblical presentation of "The mission of God." Carrie Boren offered "Making the Most of Advent and Christmas," a
one-day workshop that focused on using the season to engage in evangelism. The Diocese of Dallas held a clergy day on evangelism with guest speakers Rev. Kim Swithinbank (Alpha USA) and the directors of
Harvest Unlimited. The diocese also provided clergy with the resources, Breaking News, an evangelism curriculum by J. John, and DVDs on evangelism by the Rev. Cn. Michael Green and Dean Kevin Martin.

4) Evangelism 101 — This one-day diocesan workshop provided individuals and parishes with tools for sharing the Good News in their communities.

From Harvest Unlimited, evangelistic concerts in Waxahachie and Trinity (Dallas), guest speakers in Denison, to theology forums at local hangouts in Uptown@Incarnation, 80 percent of the diocese's parishes have used the diocese as a resource for evangelism consultation this past year — as they continue to reach out and invite new people to church.