Report from Churches Gp for Evangelisation 14.06.11

This report is provided for a variety of people who are interested in what we discussed at the recent meeting of the Churches Group for Evangelisation. It is provided for a wide audience and various interest groups, eg the 'Better Connections' network, so the material is general. If you would like to ask more, please contact the Secretary.

The intention of the meeting is to leave the denominational evangelism officers and evangelism representatives of some major home mission agencies to have a neutral space to discuss and coordinate initiatives and topics of common concern.

Topics of common concern discussed

1. Young people and Fresh Expressions vis-a-vis integration in to local churches or setting up new congregations.
2. Evangelism and discipleship, especially gaining confidence by 'doing' mission
3. Partnership developments in church planting
4. The Olympic Games and what each denominational / agency stream is contributing through 'More than Gold'.
5. 'Hope' and how it relates to /integrates with 'More than Gold' folowing on from 'Biblefresh'
6. 'Welcome' and what resources are available to help churches welcome
7. 'Experience' evangelism eg 'Healing on the Streets' initiative
8. The lack of confidence to speak of Jesus - which is still our major concern
9. Mission possibilities with model of 'new monaticism' - to be considered further in October meeting
10. CGfE focussing on particular topic eg 'Evangelisation in a Virtual World' and possible get critical pratitioners together.

In addition we considered:

Network news

Members shared their network news and various connections were made.

Web access of Research papers

We discussed a possible partnership with the Sheffield Centre re we hosting research papers eg MA's /PhD's in mission and evangelism, so that they were accessible.

Resource re Confidence to share the Gospel

The secretary reported on his writing project and website www.jesus360.org.uk which is provided to help ordinary Christians share their faith the 'Jesus way':

1. The 360 Gospel of Jesus, Grove books: http://www.grovebooks.co.uk/cart.php?target=product&product_id=17464&category_id=286 and
2. Sharing faith the Jesus way, BRF http://www.brfonline.org.uk/9781841018621/