wfn.org | Evangelism set as priority for the church

[PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org]

01-July-1996 
 
GA96046 
 
 
    Evangelism set as priority for the church 
 
ALBUQUERQUE - After a briefing by the General Assembly staff of the 
Evangelism Division, the Assembly committee on Evangelism settled in to 
explore the issues and recommendations in the areas of new church 
development and redevelopment, racial ethnic, urban, rural and small church 
issues and the funding necessary to implement strategies and programs. 
 
    Time was spent defining the meaning of evangelism in the Presbyterian 
church and exploring the needs of racial ethnic groups and needed resources 
for church growth and evangelism. 
 
    Citing a need to implement sound strategies in a timely manner, the 
committee identified the ramifications of prioritizing evangelism for the 
church as having a profound impact on  other areas of the church such as 
commissioned lay pastors, funding sources, education and training for 
clergy and lay persons.  Goals for evangelization of racial ethnic persons 
and for reaching new groups of people need sound backing from all areas of 
the church.  Evangelism needs to be a priority underlying all other 
programs rather than being in competition with them.  The ability to work 
cooperatively and to be creative in exploring new ways to work together was 
emphasized. The committee questioned setting goals for which there is no 
strategic approach and also the need for increases in both staff and 
funding to implement those goals. 
 
    The committee will recommend that a Middle East Caucus be granted the 
status of a national caucus the same as the four other recognized caucuses: 
African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American. 
 
    A resolution on racial ethnic new church development and redevelopment 
was expanded to include strategies, training, funding and staffing 
implications.  Vigorous goals will be recommended to aggressively support 
the work of racial ethnic ministries on behalf of many new groups as well 
as established racial ethnic constituencies of the church. 
 
    A resolution from the Cherokee Presbytery to use existing strategies 
and conduct new studies on evangelism for Presbyterians will be recommended 
to the Assembly.  This resolution urges all ministry units and governing 
bodies of the church to give priority commitments of time, energy and 
resources to the development and support of leaders in the denomination's 
evangelism efforts.  Also recommended will be an overture from the 
Presbytery of Central Florida urging the PC (U.S.A.) to undertake a three 
year study of evangelism and mission focus which will enable the church to 
meet the challenge and opportunity of the new millennium. 
 
 
Joanne Hines 

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