Does the idea of evangelism excite you or make you squirm? Does the Good News actually sound like good news anymore? In an increasingly post-Christian culture, how do we equip congregations to invite their neighbors to experience the way, the truth and the life of Jesus? Reimagining Evangelism gatherings are for people who sense the Church needs a new culture of Christian witness more than another new curriculum. You are not alone.
“We’ve had a lot of responsibility for turning the Good News of Jesus into the bad news,” says Steven Porter, coordinator of CBF Global Missions. “Surely God has not failed to equip us to reach our neighbors. The question is if we are willing to imagine how to put our gifts into practice and create a community where our neighbors actually feel welcome, and that requires a fresh imagination.”
In retreats and conferences beginning this spring, Porter will lead groups in a desperately needed reframing of the Gospel for the 21st century. Beginning with a talk titled “Reimagining the end of evangelism as we have known it,” participants are invited to a fresh reading of Scripture and ways of viewing the mission of God in their church. Ministers and lay leaders will learn how to identify and unleash the gifts the Holy Spirit has embedded already within their congregations to share the Good News with their community.
CBF will be hosting Reimagining Evangelism workshops for pastors on March 20 in Waco, Texas, and March 22 in Abilene, Texas. Lay leaders and ministerial staff are invited to a one-day Reimagining Evangelism leadership retreat on June 13 in Dallas ahead of the CBF General Assembly.
Churches and other organizations interested in hosting Reimagining Evangelism events in your area can contact CBF at 770-220-1628 or email [email protected].
Learn more at www.cbf.net/RE.