Gareth Fitzpatrick, Diocesan Evangelism Enabler, reflects on evangelism following the latest Bishop's Study Day.
“What evangelism – the spreading on the gospel most needs aren’t new techniques, courses or heroes. What is needed is a captivating vison of the good news.”
We’ve probably all heard the saying “good news travels fast” when I reflect on this saying in relation to my own life I can see how true this is! When I experience something that I see as “good news” my natural instinct is to talk about it with anyone who will listen. It may be a new restaurant that I’ve discovered, a gripping new crime drama on Netflix or my team’s latest victory.
But what about the good news of the gospel? Do we still have the same fervor to share this good news as we do with the latest Haran Corben murder mystery on Netflix?
As the evangelism enabler for the diocese I know that evangelism can be a topic that can divide opinions amongst those in our churches. I often describe it as marmite, something we are passionate to advocate but it can also be something many avoid at all costs.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to join the clergy from across the diocese for the Bishops study day to listen to the Revd Chris Russell (Advisor on Evangelism and Witness to the Archbishop of Canterbury) share his reflections on the work of evangelism.
One of Chris’s reflections was taken from The Siege of Samaria in 2 Kings 7. The Arameans were at war with the people of Israel and the city of Samaria was besieged. When the siege was lifted four lepers went to the camp of the Arameans and when they got there the men discovered food, drink and silver and gold in the camp. Initially the men hid their newly discovered riches to keep for themselves but quickly realized what they were doing wasn’t right. In 2 kings 7:9 they said to each other “what we are doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.”
In his book Yearning for the Vast and Endless Sea Chris Russell writes,
“evangelism is simply the refusal to keep this good news to ourselves”.
As I reflected on this, my prayers for our clergy and laity was that we would recapture the true value of the gospel message. That we would realize the true value of that which we carry and become compelled to share these riches with those in our parishes once more.
If you are interested or inspired in the evangelism, Gareth would love to speak with you about all the support that is available.