Photo by Brad Neathery
Evangelist ministry is more than you may think. It’s a word that may make you sceptical, but is an integral Christian ministry.
It’s not about being the next Billy Graham (though you never know) but Evangelists want to reach outside church buildings with the Good News of Christ, but also are encouragers and enablers of Christians to be confident about their own faith story.
Evangelists enable others and ‘tell the Good News’ by word and deed, and can minister in various contexts.
Across this diocese, Licensed Evangelists minister in Church groups, pubs, within new housing estates and runn courses like Alpha and Faith Pictures. Some are involved in running Fresh Expressions like Café Church or are involved in chaplaincy, online church services and outreach. They are supported locally as part of a diocesan team and can join the Church Army Mission Community nationally.
Stories from Licensed Evangelists in our Diocese
Licensed Evangelist Tracy runs a Fresh Expression Friday Café Church at St Mary’s, Haverhill. Tracy says,
It’s been a year since I was licensed and what a difference it makes! I feel able to make decisions with confidence and try out new things, and if they don’t work out, move on and try something else! I feel part of the ministry team and that I’m really making a difference in the church and community.
Licensed Evangelist Graham is Rural Chaplain to Light-wave Community across Suffolk. Graham says,
“My passion is farming, and since being licensed I’ve been privileged to work as Rural Chaplain, reaching out to farming and countryside communities across Suffolk. I’ve been interviewed by various magazines and licensing has given a recognition that has opened many doors for my ministry”
Licensed Evangelist Julie runs a monthly meal and chat in the local pub. Julie says,
Before Licensing I ran a ‘Bring and Share Night’ in the local pub. Monthly we share food and talk about whatever comes to mind, but since training the focus became ‘What is an Evangelist’. We had to stop during lockdown, but villagers requested us to return so I started a ‘praying for you’ blog. Licensing has given me the confidence to be adaptable and try something new.”
Licensed Evangelists Tracey, Liz and Dawn are part of Mission Ipswich East parish and are engaged in a variety of activities within the parish especially giving people more confidence in sharing their faith and inviting people to come and see. Tracey says,
“We are encouraging one another to let people know that we are Christians and to share our faith. We are using various materials to help equip people in our churches to be able to talk about faith with friends, family and neighbours.”
Training
Share! is a one-year course exploring this ministry, run in conjunction with Church Army, where participants engage together and online plus join a Mission Weekend. Topics the course covers include seed sowing, faith journeys, listening to context, big questions, resources and sharing ideas and experiences.
Discernment for licensing takes place during the year.
More information
To further find out about becoming a Licensed Evangelist, you can read more in our leaflet:
Evangelist Ministry Leaflet | PDF
If you have questions about this ministry or the Share! course, please email Andrew Payne or telephone on 01473 601438 or Dawn Gillett, Assistant Evangelist Adviser.
Alternatively, we recommend this book: Martyn Snow (Ed), 2019, Anglican Evangelists Identifying and Training a New Generation, SPCK.
Photos above by Lisa Fotios, Janis Knorr, Ana Madeleine Uribe and Helena Lopes.
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