Evangelists

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.

  Evangelists may have a variety of roles including:

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 an Evangelist?

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

The Evangelist training course is a one year course designed to integrate with CCS.

During the second year of CCS a course is offered as part of the Lent and Eastertide Schools (starting 2009) entitled Exploring the Ministry of the Evangelist. This two module course is the first term of the Evangelist course. It is offered to those already selected or in the process of being selected for training as an Evangelist. It is also open to anyone else who would like to attend and discover more about the ministry of the Evangelist. For those who are selected for training there are two further modules of the Evangelist training course which focus on practical work.


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 Evangelist Training Co-ordinator. Application for selection for training is made by the candidate and supported by his/her parish or chaplaincy. Those who are interested in exploring this ministry are welcome to join the Exploring the Ministry of the Evangelist modules before applying for selection. Please contact Liz Watson at the Diocesan Office to book a place.

The Diocesan Evangelist Training Co-ordinator is:

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

The Diocesan Evangelists Training Programme

The course is designed:

The first two modules of the course (5 evenings each) entitled Exploring the Ministry of the Evangelist are offered each year beginning in February as part of the diocesan Lent and Eastertide Schools.

The third module will be a practical placement outside the candidate's usual context. This will be supported by two sessions on theological reflection.

The fourth module will involve the candidate in an evangelism project based in their own parish or context. This is also complemented by sessions on theological reflection.

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

If you are interested in the ministry of 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  
Page last edited: 16/10/2008
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