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FREE EVENT FOR ALL!
Because of the more aggressive and confrontational tactics we hear about today in other denominations, evangelism has developed a bad connotation. Doors are shut hurriedly, phone calls end abruptly, and emails are left unanswered. After all, isn't this a task better handled by the pastor?
Perhaps it's time to re-examine John Wesley's model of evangelism as a whole, natural circle - where it's a communal beginning point rather than a solitary end. The central motive of authentic evangelism is: Having received a message that's made all the difference in our lives, we desire to share that message with others in the hope it will transform their lives as well. Wesley models an evangelism that reaches out, welcomes, invites, nurtures, and speaks to both head and heart. "Faith-sharing is about creating relationships. How we are in relationship to God, who can transform us into new beings. How we are in relationship to our neighbor, whom we must love like ourselves."
This day-long event will help develop the deep connection between John Wesley's thoughts, Charles Wesley's hymns, scholarly thinking about evangelism and biblical understandings of the gospel - all in relation to the needs, concerns, and hopes of everyday people." From this practical study, we will learn to live a faith-sharing life that demonstrates the transforming power of loving God and neighbor.
Lunch is included.
Free shirts will be given to the first thirty individuals who sign up early.
Participants who wish to receive credit for this event for laity certification are asked to purchase the book from the district office and read it in advance. In addition, those individuals will be required to do a poster presentation later in the afternoon about ministries in their own church that create relational opportunities with their church and/or community.
From District Lay Leader, Dr. Pati Graham: On another note, I would like to
dispel any myths associated with these classes. To become a certified lay
servant, you only need the foundation and one advanced course. This polity course is one of the advanced courses being offered this year. Under no circumstance does it mean the district will call you to preach behind the pulpit or require you to go to another church. However, if you are a local church lay leader, you are strongly encouraged to become certified as a lay servant or speaker. In the book of discipline, under paragraph 251f states, “The lay leader is urged to become a certified lay speaker.” Because you represent the voice of the laity within your church, you must at least know the basics to be equipped to comply with the responsibilities needed to fulfill this position.
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