Sharing a Story 
Equipping people to share their faith, by the Revd David Sherwin, Vicar in Martley and Worcester West and Diocesan Evangelism Adviser.
(Read about the 3 priorities here)
Evangelism is a word that can bring groans from some and excitement from others. But why? Evangelism is about sharing a story, sharing the story of the good news of Jesus Christ, his Birth, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and the promise of his return. It is a story that changes lives and brings hope, and one that needs a response.
Many will feel comfortable with good pastoral care and good social programmes, which are also a necessary outworking of our faith. These in themselves are evangelism, they are opportunities to share the good news through deeds, which pleases our Father in heaven. But we also have a responsibility to share the good news in word too. We are called to give account of the hope that is within us yet this often hold fears for us.
It is my hope that together we can learn from each other about the ways that evangelism is making a positive impact upon the church and the communities it serves. I would also hope that we can grow in confidence in our faith, not to ‘bash' people with, but to enable us to share that hope within us that it might become their hope also.
There is much good practice in evangelism going on across our diocese, this we want to encourage and learn lessons from that will be of benefit to others. There are those involved with Fresh Expressions and those looking for new ways to reach out into their communities with the love of God. Together we can explore what is relevant to the area in which you live and work.
Along with Archdeacon Roger we hope to set up a local diocesan college of evangelists to encourage those with the gift of evangelism and enable evangelistic projects to be resourced. The ALM course this year has been a great encouragement to see this gift being developed in those on the Evangelism course. Back to Church Sunday, The Marriage Project, and other initiatives will be explored to enable parishes to use natural ways of bringing them opportunities of faith sharing and helping others find the relevance of that faith in Christ for themselves.
