Lay Evangelists

LAY EVANGELISTS are those in whom the Church has discerned special gifts for ‘communicating the Christian faith by word and action'.

They are not people who know all the answers. But they are men and women of prayer; people who reflect on the dilemmas of modern life in the light of the Bible and Christian tradition; and people who want to communicate to others the message of Christ in relevant ways. This is by no means limited to public speaking or verbal communication.

The ministry of the evangelist.

Lay Evangelists may have a variety of roles including:

• working with those outside or on the fringes of the church
• making contact with people through work, leisure and community links
• working with individuals on their journey of faith
• leading Christian Outreach and Basics groups
• encouraging and enabling others in evangelism
• parish mission and outreach events
• collaborating with clergy and other ministers

The calling and recognition of the Evangelist’s ministry will come from the local context. The Diocese will provide training and support for the ministry. Permission to minister will come from the parish incumbent and Parish Church Council on behalf of the parish through a local commissioning service. Evangelists may find themselves working as part of a Ministry Leadership Team, in a wider team in a group or Deanery, or on a specific project.

How do I become a Lay Evangelist?

The Course in Christian Studies is the normal way to begin training as a Lay Evangelist. This is a two year foundation course and covers the Bible, Church history, creeds, sacraments, spirituality, discipleship and ethics.

The Lay Evangelist's course last one year following completion of CCS.

If you think that God is calling you to this ministry begin by praying about it and discussing it with your parish minister and the local Vocations Adviser. You may also wish to discuss it with the Diocesan Lay Evangelist Training Co-ordinator. Application for selection for training is made by the candidate and his/her parish or chaplaincy during, or on completion of, CCS.

The Diocesan Lay Evangelist Training Co-ordinator is:

Sister Penny Horseman C.A.
The Rectory, Ivy Lodge Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester, CO6 4EN
Tel: 01206 273615
Email: phorseman@chelmsford.anglican.org

The Diocesan Lay Evangelists Training Programme

The course is designed:

• To equip and develop those with a calling to be evangelists in their own ministry.
• To help them to encourage and enable the ministry of others in their local context.

The first term will be 10 sessions mainly consisting of Introduction to Evangelism (Part of Church Army’s Learning to Share programme validated by the University of Leeds). Candidates will undertake some assessable work at the end of this first term.

The second term will be a practical placement outside of the candidates’ usual context. This will be supported by two sessions of theological reflection.

Term three will involve the candidate in an evangelism project based in their own parish or context. Again there will be sessions for theological reflection.

The course will include other training days on specific topics during the year.

If you are interested in the ministry of Lay Evangelist and would like further information or an initial application form please contact:

Mrs Christine Reed
Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1AT
Tel: 01245 294455 Email: creed@chelmsford.anglican.org  

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