wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Committee takes up evangelism measures

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #7725 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Committee takes up evangelism measures
GA03035

Committee takes up evangelism measures

by Nancy Rodman

DENVER, May 26 - Overtures on evangelism materials and the Alpha Program
occupied the Assembly Committee on Evangelism and Higher Education during its
first day of deliberations.

	In response to Overture 03-32, from the Presbytery of Alaska, the
committee will ask the 215th General Assembly to direct the Congregational
Ministries Division (CMD) of the General Assembly Council (GAC) to "explore
the appropriateness of recommending the Alpha Program as a congregational
resource for evangelism and to supplement as necessary to reflect the
Reformed tradition and the Presbyterian Church (USA)." 

	While the committee reached consensus on the need for increased
evangelism efforts in the PC(USA), there were concerns expressed about the
compatibility of the Alpha Program with the Reformed tradition. The committee
declined to recommend outright that CMD endorse it.

	The Alpha Program is an introduction to the Christian faith that
originated in England and uses video lectures and small-group discussions.
Congregations of all denominations, including Presbyterians, use the program.
Proponents find that it promotes membership growth and is affordable to most
congregations. A booklet about the program, Alpha from the Reformed
Perspective, is available from the PC(USA).

	In a second evangelism-related action, the committee approved
Overture 03-19, from the Presbytery of Inland Northwest, and will recommend
that the Assembly direct the GAC, through the National Ministries Division's
Office of Evangelism and Church Development, to develop, produce, and
distribute evangelism materials in booklet form and over the Internet. The
materials are to be written from the perspective of Reformed theology, and
intended to help church members share their faith and help congregations
minister to "seekers."

	As with Overture 03-32, the committee was concerned less with need
than with means, expressing reservations about the use of "tracts" to make
disciples.
 

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