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| e-pistle from Bishop Mike |
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October 23, 2006 "Evangelism is Job One"We are in the midst of an evangelism emphasis here in Indiana. Last week at the Convocation for Pastors in South Indiana, we welcomed Bishop Scott Jones who preached and taught about "The Heart of the Preacher." Bishop Jones reminded us that clergy need to have a heart for reaching people for Christ. This week the North Conference is having a Convocation on Evangelism with speakers including Dr. Lacye Warner, professor of evangelism at Duke Divinity School, along with a "Reach Out to Fort Wayne" on Wednesday night to engage clergy and laity in local outreach. Just last Saturday, I helped to lead the first "Bishops Boot Camp" for those who have responded to my dream/vision for the Sending of the 70 who will go out from their local churches to start new ministries and new faith communities. Why all of this emphasis upon evangelism? Because evangelism is "Job One" for the church. Do you remember those old Ford commercials which claimed "Quality is Job One"? I believe we can modify that motto to say "Evangelism is Job One" for the church. The church exists for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Council of Bishops has declared that "The purpose of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." The church is one of the few institutions which exists not for itself, but for the world. Yes, of course, we must share the Good News with those inside the church who need to hear the Gospel, respond, and grow in faith. But too often we have stopped there. We have focused only upon ourselves, our comfort, and our institution, rather than focusing upon reaching the world for Christ. Evangelism is not about saving the church. Evangelism is not about institutional survival. Evangelism is about being faithful to the call of Christ. We are called to change lives and to transform the world, and in the process we will discover the church itself becoming more vital and alive. Yes, indeed, I am ready to say "Evangelism is Job One." How about you? from Bishop Michael J. Coyner Indiana Area of the United Methodist
Church If you know someone who has yet to sign up for e-HUM, they simply need to send a blank e-mail from their preferred e-mail account to add@inareaumc.org. e-HUM Bishop copyright 2006 by Indiana Area United Methodist Communications. |
