Policy on 

EVANGELISM

Everything which follows is premised on this definition:

“Evangelism is the presentation of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, in such ways that persons may be led to believe in Him as Saviour and follow Him as Lord within the fellowship of His Church.” [Louisville, 1973]

Commission on Evangelism

In the response to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Commission on Evangelism shall enable a continuous process of evangelism, renewal, and growth, in and through the Diocese of Iowa and its congregations.

To move toward full realization and implementation, the Commission shall work:

  1. To facilitate discussion of the meaning of evangelism and its role within the Anglican tradition

  2. To facilitate parish workshops, growth partner workshops, level-two evangelism workshops, etc.

  3. To support and develop existing efforts or processes or program in evangelism renewal and growth

  4. To teach nurturing skills

  5. To inter-relate with other commissions within the Diocese

  6. To create a communication network. To share learnings and experiences of congregations and individuals

  7. To facilitate training experiences; for example, how to work at incorporation of members into a congregation, how to be evangelists in the best sense of that word

  8. To facilitate a variety of events for spiritual renewal and evangelism

  9. To provide varied opportunities for a witness to the power of Jesus Christ

  10. To raise awareness, the need for and opportunities for evangelism

  11. To challenge and exhort the members of the congregations and Diocesan institutions in their role as witnesses and evangelists

Relating to Structure of such a Commission

It is clearly acknowledged that all authority we exercise is under Jesus Christ as Lord and the Bishop of the Diocese as His servant.

  1. Twelve members with rotating terms of two years each, with possible one year consulting members as may be beneficial to the work of the Commission

  2. To incorporate persons who may perhaps have been workshop leaders or who are growth partners, or recent converts to Christianity

  3. Representatives from large and small congregations

  4. Clergy and lay people from congregations where evangelism, renewal and growth are taking place

  5. From various regions of the Diocese

  6. Persons who are sensitive and open to various approaches to evangelism and renewal