From The Desk of Deacon Judy

Evangelism

On April 25, our liturgical calendar remembers St. Mark the Evangelist. This inspires me to muse a bit about evangelism in the Episcopal Church.

Mark was a young man when he probably met Jesus. He was the son of a woman who owned a house in Jerusalem, which may have been where Jesus prepared the Last Supper with his disciples. Mark became a follower of Jesus, tagging along with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. As often happens, conflict arose between Mark and Paul, so Mark continued on with Barnabas to Cyprus. Also, hopefully as with all broken relationships, reconciliation happened with Mark and Paul. Mark followed Paul to Rome and was very close to Peter. Most scholars say the Gospel of Mark captures Peter’s sermons.

Mark was an evangelist because he proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Often the word “evangelism” has negative connotations. Many confuse evangelism with proselytizing, forcing people to believe in Jesus, “or else”.

The Episcopal Church embraces evangelism. As the website states:

“Episcopalians are passionate about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in our words and actions. Through the spiritual practice of evangelism, we seek, name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people – then invite everyone to MORE.”

· Evangelism is centering our lives on Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, in prayer and in community.

· Evangelism is walking the way of love in all that we are and all that we do, so that others may see and know the love of Jesus in their lives.

· Evangelism is listening to one another’s stories and acknowledging the presence of Jesus in their lives.

Bishop Kee Sloan, our former diocesan bishop, called evangelism “hospitality”. It’s a ministry of welcome for all.

May we proclaim the Good News of Jesus in our lives, in word and deed, so that all may come to know the awesome power and comfort of God’s everlasting love.

Easter Blessings,

Judy Q+