Embracing evangelism in Towcester
Just before Christmas, our School of Missional Life sent a mission team to work with Towcester Hub Church, demystifying the job of evangelism and providing opportunities to reach people God’s way. We heard from two people who took part in the weekend and how the teaching and outreach was a revelation to them.
Tola Adebiyi: The experience of the weekend was nothing short of mind-blowing, leaving an unforgettable mark on my thinking. The vibrant atmosphere within the church was palpable, setting the stage for a time of spiritual awakening and community bonding.
The speakers shared insights that challenged our perspectives and ignited our passion for spreading the message of faith. We heard a definition of evangelism that transformed it in our minds. It’s offering someone a positive interaction with Jesus, and it is the Holy Spirit that does the work in providing us with opportunities. We just sow a seed, and let God water it.
One of the standout aspects was the emphasis on personal growth and the significance of sharing one’s faith authentically. The leaders inspired us to connect with others in a genuine way, fostering relationships that go beyond mere conversation. The power of knowing our identity in Christ has the ability to bridge gaps and touch the hearts of those around us through our confidence in the one the reigns over all.
Worship sessions throughout the weekend and in the Christmas service were a stirring and inclusive experience, combining uplifting music, carol singing, a Towcester village quiz, Bible readings and heartfelt prayers. The weekend has not only equipped us with valuable tools for effective evangelism but has also strengthened the relationships with those in our local community. When we went out to talk to people in the town centre, we felt ready to share our faith with honesty and conviction.
Irene Ukpere: I signed up for the School of Missional Life not knowing what to expect. The approach to sharing our faith was so different. I was really impacted by Steve Murrill (New Life’s Evangelist). His passion and the ease he had in sharing the gospel was liberating. I now see myself as a reconciliation broker between people and Jesus. I’m called to minister God’s love to those in front of me. Steve helped us to see everyone as being at some point along the journey towards faith. When we talk to someone we never know who else has already told them about Jesus. Sometimes we will add a bit more to their understanding, and sometimes all the seeds sown in the past will mean that we get to reap their salvation.
We went out on the streets of Towcester with Steve, and found that we didn’t need to throw Jesus in anyone’s face! We just showed care to those we met, and asked them in a chatty way what they were doing for Christmas. Then, if they seemed interested, we’d invite them to the Christmas service, with the promise of fun, food and fellowship.
Before we’d left the church, we’d asked God to reveal details to us about the people he was leading us to. We found out this is called ‘Treasure hunting’! I saw an image of a brown hat and a beige coat, and so out on the street I was looking out closely for my ‘treasure’. It was so good that God cares so much about people that he reveals small things about them to us so that we can spot them in the crowd. Sure enough, I saw a lady in a brown hat and a beige coat. I asked her how she was and it led to an opportunity to pray for her to be healed from physical pain. It felt like a seed had been planted.
As we walked on we were sensitive to the Spirit and God kept bringing the right people to us. A man from Manchester who was walking to Cornwall, and was only in Towcester that day, was healed from pain when we prayed for him. Some of our team met the owner of a pastry shop and prayed a blessing on her business. Others encountered a lady with three dogs who allowed the team to pray for peace and provision for her. One lady took a step forward towards faith, when she and her daughter came to the Christmas service. We even met the wife of the vicar of Towcester, who was very interested in what we were doing, so that was a positive encounter with another church in the town. All in all, this was a very blessed time. I now know how to evangelise without it being a pressure or a burden. Doing what God calls you to do in the way he equips and leads is so much easier, because all you have to do is trust him!
You can find out more about the School of Missional Life here.