GOAL: To challenge us in continual spiritual growth through sharing church materials and inviting others to church.

PURPOSE: To prioritize individual spiritual growth of members and invitees as opposed to just adding more numbers of persons to our roll.

THE IDEA: That we are commonly in association with persons who do not have or are not active in a church home, i.e. family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and associates. As the Holy Spirit leads you, share with those who the Lord brings to you as opposed to passing tracks or brochures to large groups of strangers.

HISTORY OF THE COMMISSION

During The 120th Session of the Chicago Annual Conference each of the participating Churches were commissioned to organize their evangelistic efforts. Pastor Miller immediately appointed a director to oversee this ministry, and the first annual Campaign was organized and successfully carried out in December 2002. In early 2003 six members were appointed to the commission to assist in defining a plan and coordinating the process for promoting evangelism awareness through out the congregation. The commission continues to grow.

WHAT IS EVANGELISM?

The word Evangelism suggests a simple Christian mandate, and at the same time points to the source of that mandate: Jesus the Christ. After we have experienced forgiveness and accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, it becomes ours to share. Evangelism in a word is sharing your faith. The test of your faith is whether you will share it. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He saves us from our sins, and that faith in him brings abundant life now and for all eternity, you have a message that you should not keep to yourself.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• LOOK AROUND - Your mission field is right where you live, work, or go to school.
• LOOK UP - Pray each day for people and those that will cross your path.
• LOOK OUT - Find ways to cultivate friendship with people and establish common interest.
• LOOK FORWARD - Seek an opportunity to share with people and to invite them to church events.
• LOOK AFTER - Follow-up with those who respond to Christ.

4th Episcopal District Manual on Evangelism

What is real Evangelism? Can I do it? The answer is as simple as inviting someone to church. Yes, you can do it! DuPage has demonstrated a real commitment to Evangelism as evident in it's growth to more than 2,000 members. As once cited, there are three P's of evangelism.

• One must have Passion
• One must always Pray
• One must be Persistent

To become an effective witness for Christ, one must "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15 We do this by taking advantage of the teaching ministries of the church, and spending quiet time in prayer and in the Word.

PRAYER AND EVANGELISM

Prayer is an essential discipline for the effective evangelist. Just as Jesus refueled on the mountain with intimate conversation with His Father, it is imperative that we too take time daily to commune with God.

Move from general prayer to specific prayer for evangelism and discipleship. The call is to pray for hearts to be changed by Christ, and for others to know Jesus personally as their Lord and Savior, and to grow as disciples. Pray in connection with fasting and fulfill the scripture requirement for eliminating anxiety, and boldness in witnessing for Christ.

"As we pray for God's direction and guidance in our evangelistic effort, we are reminded that we did not choose ourselves, but God chose us. We did not call ourselves, but God called us. Only through continual prayer can we hope to gain any insight into God's purpose for our lives, and become effective witnesses."

4th Episcopal District Manual on Evangelism

If you are interested in becoming a part of this rewarding ministry, contact Director, Leo Rasberry or any member of the commission. You may also call the church at 630-969-9800.