Evangelism in the URC

Many of our churches hold outreach events, such as Carol services or Pentecost parties, which explicitly include sharing beliefs and witnessing to our faith.

Still more witness in a practical way with a rich variety of community activities. These include Foodbanks, Warm Hubs and cafes, involving sacrificial love. Members witness by giving time and money and a listening ear to those they come alongside. They often wait until asked before sharing why they do this. The URC has a long-established commitment to the ministry of church related community workers who have enabled a rich variety of such engagement in local communities.

Evangelism is an inevitable part of our membership of Christ’s church, however we express it. Yet, many of us lack confidence in articulating what our faith means to us, imitating the proverbial rabbit in the headlights when anyone does actually ask.

Hesitation is human and very understandable. We might not feel like we have enough theological knowledge or understanding. There are many factors at play: fear of being mocked or laughed at or judged; awareness of the spiritual harm that has been caused by some areas of the Church, historically, globally, and in the UK currently; not wanting to be associated with parts of the Church that may appear to judge or exclude certain groups.

How would it be if we developed a habit, and exercised it, so that we could not just have a confident response to a question, but -where appropriate- could also initiate the conversation?

Evangelism can be… telling our stories, offering an invitation, showing radical hospitality, being direct and personal, taking an opportunity to be vulnerable, making space, advocating for justice, showing mercy, challenging empire, sharing your story… what does it mean to you?