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 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?
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.