From the Assistant Rector

One of the biggest challenges that the Church faces is finding ways to minister to the unchurched. This brings up the issues of evangelism and mission. Evangelism is an issue that the Episcopal Church has wrestled with throughout much of its history. Many Episcopalians have a very negative perception of evangelism. The Church needs to recognize that evangelism is not a manipulative tool. Instead, evangelism is rooted in our own experience of the love of Christ that causes us to share that love with others.

Evangelism is a spiritual discipline that we as Christians are called to engage in as part of our baptismal covenant with God. We are called to go out into our communities to share our experiences of the presence of God in our lives. We do this not for ulterior motives, but instead out of a sense of joy and gratitude from being in relationship with God.

The Church needs to address the spiritual needs and brokenness of the unchurched. To reach these individuals it is vitally important that churches be places of welcome and an invitation needs to be directed at them. The Church must encourage the asking of questions, listening to their stories, respecting their faith journey, and recognizing the presence of God in their lives. By doing these things we will be faithful to our baptismal calling to share the love of Christ with the world and make new disciples.

Fr. Ken