* FINAL VERSION - Concurred

Resolution A037

Title:   Evangelism

Topic:   Evangelism

Committee:   12. Evangelism

House of Initial Action:   Deputies

Proposer:   Domestic Mission and Evangelism

 
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 75th General Convention reaffirm our commitment to improve the health of our congregations and our church by faithfully living out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and by working toward the goals of 20/20 ; and be it further
Resolved, That each and every bishop deepen his/her commitment, intention, prayer, and action, individually and by working together through the House of Bishops, to cast a vision of mission for the church, and to lead us there; and be it further
Resolved, That every lay person, bishop, priest, and deacon of our church speak with passion about what God is doing in our lives in order to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ, and be it further
Resolved, That following the example of radical hospitality entrusted to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, every lay person, bishop, priest, and deacon of our church invite others to join us in praise and service; and be it further
Resolved, That General Convention direct the Church Center staff to engage diverse populations including among others, youth and young adults, ethnic and racial populations, persons of various sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, various socio-economic classes, new immigrants, and communities in Province IX, the Diocese of Haiti, the Virgin Islands and the Convocation of American Churches in Europe to identify and develop practical resources and training for personal and congregational evangelism; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution be published in congregational and diocesan media to affirm our commitment to evangelism.
 


EXPLANATION

All are called to witness to our faith. The Catechism states, "The ministry of a lay person is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church" (BCP 855). Some, however, are called to the particular ministry of evangelist (Ephesians 4:11). Those who are gifted with presenting the Gospel in a compelling way need to be identified, trained, sent and encouraged.


* Resolution is final but status and text are still under review before publication.