The Church exists to make more followers of Jesus Christ.
As part of a fresh approach to every aspect of Our Calling in the light of the pandemic the church will from Sept 2020 onward be considering how to do Evangelism Together ‘as never before’ – see below for material relating to this which will be added over the coming months;
Some key questions to guide us
How do we develop friendly attitudes towards everyone we meet?
Do we have a clear message?
Are the words we use straightforward and meaningful to those outside the Church?
What attracts others to the Christian faith?
What are the key needs in our community and how are we responding to them?
Can we work alongside Christians of other denominations?
Where should the focus be – on church premises, or in the community?
What can we do to make our premises more welcoming?
Looking back at 2016-2017
The theme for 2015-2016 was ‘A Christ like Welcome’ which looked at how we could be more welcoming to those outside the church this led to a new WELCOME logo and associated refreshing of signage, publicity materials and a new website. This work is ongoing. Opportunities for service are opportunities for gentle evangelism in the way that the practical help offered by Street Pastors opens up opportunities to talk about faith when asked. The need to be ready at all times to give’ a reason for the hope that is within us’, in an appropriate way, has been regularly preached on, and material from Willow Creek on ‘Becoming a Contagious Christian’ and finding your natural style of evangelism has been used.
‘Pause for Thought’ (QP) on Fridays and’ Ladies Leisure’ talks provide further opportunities to share the good news with some who do not worship regularly on Sundays. Inters Extra on Friday nights after the main youth club also offers an opportunity to discover more about Jesus. Open the Book offers an assembly on biblical stories to a local Junior School, twice a term.
Messy Church, happens monthly with an activity based approach to Christian teaching, reaching a number of families that do not come to other forms of worship.
Members of the church were actively involved in an Easter Drama production in Billericay High Street entitled Easter Pic ‘n Mix, that presented the message of Easter in 5 short sketches.
At Christmas a larger number of families attended three Christingle services.
Areas that need to be addressed:
Are there further initiatives we could take to present our convictions?
How can we learn about effective witness from Christians in other cultures?
What are our plans to encourage more people to follow Jesus over the next year?
