Rethinking Evangelism
Passion for Jesus, focus on prayer part of vision for Evangelism and Church Growth office
by Bethany Furkin
Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — For many Presbyterians, “evangelism” can be a scary word, one that brings up feelings of hesitancy, nervousness and fear.
Talking about one’s faith can be hard, especially when it’s not a common topic of conversation, says Philip Lotspeich, coordinator for church growth and transformation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC).
“It’s so deep, so personal, that we have a hard time articulating it,” he says. “It’s like being asked to go out and run a marathon without being trained to do it.”
With a refreshed vision statement, the PC(USA)’s Evangelism and Church Growth office is preparing Presbyterians for that metaphorical marathon.
“We really want to help churches and presbyteries pursue their full redemption potential,” says Ray Jones, the GAMC’s coordinator for evangelism.
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