What is Evangelism?
There is considerable confusion about what evangelism is. For those outside the Church, it is largely a negative term. It is too often confused with the term evangelical – which people unfairly associate with a rather simplistic US style political fundamentalism. For many in the Church, it also has negative connotations. Whilst we think it is a good idea and of course all Christians want to share the good news, sometimes those who are ‘into’ evangelism are seen as a little eccentric and odd. Nonetheless, every evangelical church is for evangelism. But what is it?
What is ASK?
“What are you up to?” “Why are you here?” “What is ASK?” – These are just a few of the questions I have been asked in the past few months. Having been in Australia for almost three years I am now settled into Evangelism and New Churches of the Sydney Anglican Diocese (ENC), I have a renewed visa and am looking forward to developing this work. But what is this work? I am working as an evangelist with Sydney Anglicans – but what does that mean and what precisely are we trying to do?
What is ASK seeking to do?
To paraphrase Ecclesiastes 12:11 “Of making many evangelism programmes there is no end, and much talking about evangelism wearies the soul”. Maybe that’s a little too cynical, but it does appear to me that there are numerous evangelistic organisations, books, initiatives and programmes. Every evangelical church wants the silver bullet for outreach – especially in the context of a culture which is becoming increasingly hostile to the Gospel.
How is it Going and What Can we Do?
In this final article, I want to bring you up to date with how things have been going. After all, it is relatively easy to think through the theory and to make plans – but the real proof of the pudding is in the eating!
A.S.K. and Church Partnership
ASK is a ministry of Evangelism and New Churches (ENC) which seeks to enable, encourage and equip churches to do evangelism – through consultancy, training, media and communication. ASK will partner with you for one year – with the possibility of renewing for a further year. Partnership means that we will spend the equivalent of one full day per month working with the church in developing evangelism in and through the church. More info here.
Upcoming Events
14 August
- 9:30am
- 11:15am (bilingual)
St Peter’s Presbyterian
234 Blues Point Road, Nth Sydney, 2060
16 August
- 7:40am – 8:20am
Parramatta Legal
Register here
The Barrington Cafe, 10 Smith St, Parramatta, 2151
21 August
- 5:30pm
Redeemer Baptist Youth Series
Sargood Hall, Redeemer Baptist School,
2 Masons Dr, Nth Parramatta, 2151
24 -26 August
- Various times
Queensland Theological College Conference
27 August
- 6:00pm
Norwest Anglican Outreach Night
19 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills, 2153
28 August
- 5:30pm
Redeemer Baptist Youth Series
Sargood Hall, Redeemer Baptist School,
2 Masons Dr, Nth Parramatta, 2151
4 September
- 5:30pm
Redeemer Baptist Youth Series
Sargood Hall, Redeemer Baptist School,
2 Masons Dr, Nth Parramatta, 2151
13 September
- 7:40am – 8:20am
Parramatta Legal
Register here
The Barrington Cafe, 10 Smith St, Parramatta, 2151
Podcasts
- The Sermon that exposed Australia
- Is Prince Harry a Prophet?
- General Synod – The Attack on Sydney Anglicanism
- Greg Sheridan on Faith and Politics
- The Great Wall of Heaven
- Greg Sheridan on Culture
Articles
- A Case Study – Abortion Myths and Realities
Reflections
Join us every weekday at 5pm (Sydney time) for Coffee and Revelation.
– 5 minute reflection working through the book of Revelation
Account Name: ENC ASK Ministry
BSB: 032-016
Account No: 627277
Reference: <Donor’s Name>