Mission - Commissions - MISSIO
Appendix C
The Ten Priorities in Evangelism
(From the MISSIO Report on the Mid-point Review of the Decade of Evangelism)
The reports from around the Communion identified the following issues as priorities to be addressed in the second half of the Decade.
Priorities
- Issues of Training and Nurture
The issue identified as top priority was the need to revise the training, nurture and formation of clergy, so as to prepare them to participate and give leadership in evangelism. Equipping and empowering the laity was also emphasised. Both clergy and laity need opportunities to gain confidence in telling their faith stories. Clergy in particular need encouragement and help to engage in on-going theological formation. - Issues of Spirituality and Worship
There was a strong call for freer worship and contextualised liturgy. Our common pattern of Anglican liturgy has helped to bind us together, but needs to be revised to reflect local cultures. Evangelistic endeavours need to be undertaken under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and should be strongly supported and surrounded by personal and corporate prayer. Personal devotion and communal worship lie at the heart of renewal in evangelism - which often includes 'spiritual warfare'. Clergy and lay leaders need training in this direction. - Repentance and Humility
There was an acknowledgement that humble repentance is a necessary precondition to bold evangelism. In each part of the Communion there is a need for the Church to repent of its past and present sins, and this is an on-going process which may in some cases involve restitution. - The Role of Lay People
The central role of the laity in evangelism was strongly affirmed. There is a need not merely to give tasks to lay people, but rather, to empower them by truly delegating authority and encouraging and enabling them to get on with the job in their homes, places of work and daily lives. The important role of women in witness was particularly highlighted. In many parts of Africa, especially West Africa, women lead the Church's mission in its social and spiritual aspects, largely through the work of Mothers' Union. - A Church Open To All People
Local congregations/Christian communities need to become more welcoming, nurturing and open to all people. They also need to provide neighbourhood, house-oriented or 'cell' groups which newcomers can join. The hierarchical structures of our Anglican Church need to be modified to allow a more equitable sharing of responsibilities. - Leadership and Visioning
Delegates called for strong and prophetic leadership from the bishops of the Communion. There is a need for bishops to demonstrate their commitment to evangelism, and to articulate a clear evangelistic vision. They carry a responsibility as vision-bearers for the Communion. - Youth
There was a strong call to explore and harness ways of ministering with the youth, both implementing whatever changes are needed in order to attract youth, as well as the need for affirming and encouraging youth in the work of evangelism and in their spiritual and moral formation. - Co-operation with other Christians
Mention was made of evangelism in co-operation with other Churches or individual non-Anglican Christians. In the second half of the Decade, provinces need to reassess their ecumenical co-operation in evangelism. - Other Faiths, Ideologies, Unreached People
There was special concern about strengthening our witness among people of other faiths. Mention was also made of the challenge of materialism and secularism. We should support efforts to reach the unreached both in the modern and mega cities of the wealthier parts of the world and in the less developed places. - Issues of Social and Environmental Justice
Evangelism is the central task given to the Church, and it was felt that this means a call to live like Christ in concern for the poor, the weak, the oppressed and the Creation, and in working to overcome structures and systems that perpetuate poverty, oppression and environmental degradation. Within the Church it was felt that provinces and dioceses should reflect their commitment to the vision of becoming a movement for mission by giving mission a priority place in their budgeting.
Practical Suggestions for Mobilising the Church
Working groups at the Conference suggested some practical ways to help the Church address the emerging issues and future directions identified above. These suggestions need to be adapted to fit local situations.
- Seminary Training
There needs to be a Communion-wide review and revision of seminary curricula and staffing to prioritise evangelism. to shift the church from maintenance to mission, we need to put mission at the heart and as the motivating force in ministerial formation. - Exchanges of Personnel
These exchanges should increase, and can happen in a variety of ways and in all directions. - Team and Group Visits
These are short-term, focused visits, to meet specific requests. - Translation and Adaptation of Resources
There is a need for more resources in languages other than English, and in culturally sensitive adaptations. - Sharing Stories
We would be helped by hearing one another’s stories, including faith stories and accounts of successful and unsuccessful efforts in evangelism. - Regional Gatherings
Gatherings are one of the important ways we meet each other, encourage and support each other, exchange our stories, and celebrate our oneness and rich diversity. - Electronic Networking
We need to make the best possible use of the technology that is available. - Evangelism Assessment/Evaluation
This process involves setting measurable goals and then assessing how well we are doing in fulfilling these. - Budgets
The Church at all levels should budget sufficient funds to enable the work of evangelism. Examining our budgets is one way of measuring our commitment to evangelism. - Mission Structures and Programs
The programs and structures, which have been established to assist the Church throughout the Communion to fulfil its broad mission goals, should be modified as necessary to assist with current evangelism needs. - Ecumenical Endeavours
Local parishes and dioceses need to be encouraged to approach the evangelistic task ecumenically, in co-operation with other Christians in their own communities.
Questions to help us move forward
These questions are intended to stimulate thought, leading to positive action. They should be adapted as necessary for local situations.
For the Anglican Consultative Council: Sharing of Resources:
What and where are the identifiable resources, human and material, that can be used for evangelism, and how can these be effectively shared around the Communion?
Language and Translation:
Are some language groups in the Communion being marginalised in the study of theology and at conferences, and what can be done to correct this anomaly?
Funding
Does the evangelism budget adequately reflect the priority of this Decade of Evangelism?
For Bishops/Dioceses
Vision and Encouragement:
Evangelism is the cutting edge of mission. What is your vision for the spread of the gospel, recruitment, training and sending of labourers for the on-going task of mission? (See MISSIO's letter to the Bishops of the Commission)
Training:
How central is the practical training in evangelism in the curriculum of your institutions of lay and clergy training?
Relevant Liturgy:
How do you encourage your people to adapt liturgy to better reflect your culture and the local situation and to make worship a more lively and creative encounter with God?
For Parishes
Sensitivity to Local Needs:
What do people find attractive in your congregation?
Welcoming Community:
In what ways can you improve your welcome to others?
Building Confidence for Evangelism:
How does your parish help members to share their faith at home, at work, with neighbours and in the wider society?
For all
Look at the list of emerging issues and practical suggestions. In each list which are the top three priorities for you in your situation? Do you have any other priorities? What will you do about them?