SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources...
Transcript of SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources...
![Page 1: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources
Version: 01
Last updated: 29 November 2017
Author: Anne Richards and the Mission Theology Advisory Group
![Page 2: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2
Table of Contents
SocialEngagementandEvangelismResources 5Introduction 5ResourcePathways 5
StartingaConversation 7Themes:StartingOut 7
HeadsuporHeadsdown? 7
StartingaConversation 9Themes:Trust 9
YourHairintheirHands 9
StartingaConversation 11Themes:Hope 11
MakingRent 11
StartingaConversation 13Themes:Confidence 13
FleshandBlood 13
StartingaConversation 15Themes:Sharing 15
LastTrainHome 15
EngagingwiththeBible 17Themes:Startingout 17
TheFaithoftheSyrophoenicianWoman(Mark7.24-30) 17
EngagingwiththeBible 19Themes:Trust: 19
TheTrueKindredofJesus(Matthew12.46-50) 19
EngagingwiththeBible 21Themes:Hope: 21
ANewCommandment(John13.34-35) 21
EngagingwiththeBible 23Themes:Confidence 23
TheWomanattheWell(John4.27-30;39-42) 23
EngagingwiththeBible 25Themes:Sharing; 25
TheHowlingMan(Mark5.1-13) 25
MakingaChange 27Themes:StartingOut 27
Driving 27
MakingaChange 29Themes:Trust 29
SharingthePeace 29
MakingaChange 31Themes:Hope 31
![Page 3: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
SmartLiving 31
MakingaChange 33Themes:Confidence 33
Beingthere 33
MakingaChange 35Themes:Sharing 35
MappingtheKingdom 35
Reflection: 37Startingout 37
LetusPray 37
Reflection: 39Trust 39
Sanctuary 39
Reflection: 41Hope 41
Giving 41
Reflection: 43Confidence 43
Confidence 43
Reflection: 45Sharing 45
FacesandMeetings 45
![Page 4: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
4
The Mission Theology Advisory Group is an ecumenical group formed in partnership between Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and the
Church of England
We provide resources in the areas of Spirituality, Theology, Reconciliation, Evangelism and Mission
This resource belongs to our Evangelism series. Please print and share.
![Page 5: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5
Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction
InSeptember2015,thediocesansocialresponsibilityofficersoftheChurchofEnglandgatheredtogetherinElyfortheirnationalconference.Oneofthethingstheydidtherewastolookatstoriesoffaithinformingactionwhichtheyhadgatheredtogetherandsharedtogaininsightsandwisdomintohowfaithandsocialactionchangeindividualsandcommunities.
TheconferencealsoheardfromDrAnneRichards,theconveneroftheecumenicalMissionTheologyAdvisoryGroup,onfivethemesforanewperspectiveonevangelism.Thesefivethemeswere:
• PursuingtheHuman–identifyingpeoplewhounderstandthosewhohavenocontactwithorknowledgeofChristianfaithandwhoarebestplacedtoengagewiththemeffectively.
• MakingCommunity–understandingthatChristianshaveparticulargiftsandskillsforinitiating,developingandsustainingrelationshipsinthewiderworldandsupportingpeopletodothisintheirdailylives.
• CreatingNewNews–acceptingthattheGoodNewsofJesusChristisbadnewsforsomepeopleforwhomChristiancommitmentcomeswithseverecost.Supportingthose,especiallyyoungChristians,whoarementorsforyoungpeoplestrugglingwithcontemporarymoralandsocialissueswhichmanyofusdon’treallyunderstand.
• HonouringMemory–understandingthatsuccessfulevangelismisnotjustaboutthecourseofaperson’sfuture,butalsoaboutwhatGodhasdonewiththeirpastandtheirownjourney,identifyingtheexperiencesandgiftswhichnewChristiansbringtothechurch.
• BeingtheFaceofLove–witnessingtoGod’sloveinChristthroughouractionsandbehaviourwithintheChurchandwithintheworld.
AnnesuggestedthatthestoriesattheconferenceshowedthatsocialactionbyChristianscouldbeinstrumentalinbuildingabedrockoftrust,hope,confidenceinthegospel,andopportunitiesforsharingwhichwouldcreateafertilegroundforevangelismandwitness.
Asaresultofworkingtogether,lookingatthestoriesandthefivethemes,theSROnetworkcommissionedMTAGtoproduceresourcesforuseindioceseswhichwouldenableindividuals,groups,congregationsandcommunitypartnershipstobuilduptrust,hope,confidenceandfaith-sharingfromsimplebeginnings.
Resource Pathways
MTAGresourcesusefourpathwaysforpeopletoexploreandwhichcanbemixedandmatched.Thesepathwaysare:
Word-based[YELLOW]forpeoplewhowanttoexploreanddiscussastory,orlookatquestionsandideastogether.
Activity-based[GREEN]forpeoplewhowanttogetonanddosomething,research,trysomethingoutorjustexploreandseewhathappens.
![Page 6: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6
Worship-based[BLUE]forpeoplewhowanttoengageatopicthroughbiblestudy,prayerandreflection.Oftenusedinastand-alonemannerwhenchurcheswanttoputasideadayforaparticularissueorforretreatorLent/Advent.
Spirituality-based[PINK]forpeoplewhowanttoseehowissuesimpacttheirownfaith,nurturetheirowngifts,andofferingopportunitiesforreflectiononindividualchange,transformationandcommitment.
ThereisalsoaseparatedocumentforengagingwithissuesarisingfromBREXITusingthesamethemes.
Individualelementsofthepathwayscanbecombinedaccordingtotaste,traditionandinterest.Thereisno‘right’waytousetheresources.
Thethemesarealsocolourcoded,ifyouwanttofolloworconcentrateonaparticulartheme.
Inaddition,thissetofresourceshasfiveextraresources[ORANGE]forindividuals,congregationsandcommunitypartnershipswhichfeelenabledandwanttoengagefurtherinsocialactionorissuesofsocialjustice.
EachresourceisfullydownloadableandreproducibleononesheetofA4.Theirelementscanalsobedeveloped,changedorre-orderedasnecessarytofitgroupinterestsorneeds.
Agridsettingoutthecompletesetofresourcesisshownbelow:
StartingOutPursuingtheHuman
TrustMakingComm-unity
HopeNewNews
Confid-enceHonouringMemory
SharingFaceofLove
Story HeadsUporHeadsDown?
YourHairintheirHands
MakingRent FleshandBlood
LastTrainHome
Activity Driving
SharingthePeace
SmartLiving Beingthere MappingtheKingdom
LiturgyBiblePrayerReflection
TheSyroPhoenicianwoman
Jesus’family Anewcommandment
Thewomanatthewell
TheHowlingMan
Spirituality Reflectiononprayer
Reflectiononsanctuary
Reflectionongiftgiving
Reflectiononconfession
Reflectiononfacesandmeetings
![Page 7: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
Starting a Conversation Themes: Starting OutPursuing the Human
Heads up or Heads down?
PhotobyMatthewGonFlickr
Astoryfordiscussioningroupsorforindividualreflection
SomethoughtsfromProfessorJohnDrane
Luke21.28
Nowwhenthesethingsbegintotakeplace,standupandraiseyourheads,becauseyourredemptionisdrawingnear.
WhenyouliveinScotland,likeIdo,youoftenseepeoplegoingabouttheirbusinessonthestreet,headsdown,battlingwiththewindortherain.
Orthesedaysyoucangointoaroomfullofpeople,orintoameeting,andthey’veallgottheirheadsdown,crouchedovertheirphones,lookingfornotificationsortweetsormessages.
Andperhapsasapeople,we’remorelikelytolookdownandawayfromothersifwe’recrushedintoalift,oracrowdedtube,orabusycafé.Wedon’twanttobecaughtstaring;wemodestlylookdownandaway.Wekeepourheadsdownevenwhenshoppingorgoingaboutourdailylives.I’vebeeninshopswherethestaffthinkit’spositivelystrangeforapersontomeettheireyesandsmile.
![Page 8: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8
ButintheBible,theliftingupofheadsisassociatedwiththenearnessandapproachofGod.Psalm24says‘Liftupyourheads,Ogates!andbeliftedup,Oancientdoors!thattheKingofglorymaycomein’.Luke21.28tellsreadersofthegospeltoliftuptheirheadsandgetreadyforGod.
Youknowwhendogssensetheirmastersandmistressesreturning,theirheadsgoup,theirearsprickupandtheywaitexpectantly?There’ssomethinginthesebiblepassageswhichinvitesusto‘snifftheair’forGod’spresenceandforwhatGodmightbedoingrightnowamongus.
Whatmighthappenifweintentionallyliftedupourheadsabitmore?Whatmightcatchourattention?Whomightwemeet?Whomightwesurprise?WheremightweseeGodatwork?
Somequestions:
• Arewe‘headsup’or‘headsdown’people?Asindividuals?Asachurch?Asacommunity?Asanation?
• Whatdoyouthinkpeoplemightmisswhenthey’vegottheirheadsdownorburiedintheirphones?
• Whenmightweintentionallygo‘headsdown’toavoidthingswedon’twanttoface?• Doyouthinkifweliftedourheadsupabitmorewemightcreatemoreopportunitiesfor
mission?
TheAscensionofJesusbyDinahRoeKendall,anartistwhousesherpaintingstointroducepeopletoJesus.TheAscensionisoneofherfavourites.Everyoneislookingup.FindoutmoreaboutDinahathttps://www.canterburydiocese.org/media/outlook/winter2014_dinahroekendall.pdf
Wherenext?
HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesonStartingOut/PursuingtheHuman.
![Page 9: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
9
Starting a Conversation Themes: TrustMaking Community
Your Hair in their Hands
https://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/researcharchive/3685/Politicians-are-still-trusted-less-than-estate-agents-journalists-and-bankers.aspx
Thepollillustratedabove,showsresultsgatheredbytheresearchcompanyIpsosMoriwhenitinvestigatedwhichtypesofprofessionspeopletrusttotellthemthetruth.Clergyfarelesswellthanhairdressers.
Whyisthis?Itisbecausewenowadaystendtospendmoretimetalkingfranklytoourhairdressersthantoourlocalministerbecausepeopledon’tgotochurchasfrequentlyastheyusedto?OrisitbecausesomanythingshavebeenreportedabouttheChurchwhichmakeusfeelthatthingshavebeencoveredupandthetruthhasnotbeentold?
Whowetrusttotellthetruthmatters.Itmatterswhenweareillandwanttoknowwhatiswrongandwhatcanbedone.Itmatterswhenwehavetomakejudgementsaboutthosewhogovernus,aboutthosewhorunourlocalservices,orwhoteachourchildren,orfromwhomwebuygoodsandservices.Whenpeopletwistthetruthorlietousandwerealisewehavebeenduped,wedon’ttrustthosepeopleanymore.
Hairdresserspayusindividualattention.Weallowthemtotouchus,toshapewhatwewillseeinthemirror.Theyhelpcreatethe‘look’wewanttoshowtoothers.Theyareinstrumentalinabigdaylikeawedding.Theycanliftourspiritswhenwefeeldownandhairdressersinhospitalsandcarehomesoftenmakeabigdifferencetohowpeoplefeel.Manypeoplebuilduparelationshipwitha
![Page 10: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10
particularhairdresserovertimeandsharestorieswiththemabouttheirlivesandfamilies.Andyes,it’ssurprisinglycommontotalkaboutspiritualissuestoo.
Trustingourselvestotheministrationsofanotherpersonenablesustobeginthemakingsofcommunity,whetherthat’scookingfoodforotherstoeat,servinginashop,teachingchildren,walkinganeighbour’sdogoranyofthemanyinteractionsbetweenhumanbeingsthattakeplaceeveryday.SoifasChristians,weseektocareforandtoserveothers,tomakerelationshipswithothersinourdailylivesintheserviceofthegospel,thenthosebeginningsofcommunityandrelationshiphavetobefoundedontrustworthinessandtruth.
Somequestionsfordiscussion:
• Whatdoesyourownlistoftrustworthyprofessionslooklike?• Whydoyouthinkhairdresserspollsohighlyastruth-tellers?• Whydoyouthinkpeopleapparentlytrustclergy,ChristiansandtheChurchlessthanthey
usedto?• Whatwouldittakeforpeopletotrustclergy?ChristiansandtheChurchtotellthetruth?• Howimportantaretruthfulness,transparencyandtrustworthinessforsharingthegospel
withothers?• Howdoyouthinkrelationshipsoftrustcanflowerintogroups,friendshipsand
communities?• WhydoyousupposepeopletrustedJesus?
PhotobyJacobBØtter(ahairdresser)onFlickr
Wherenext?
LookatotherresourcesfromtheTrust/MakingCommunitysection.
![Page 11: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
11
Starting a Conversation Themes: HopeNew News
Making Rent
Photo:‘RelaxingafterWork_MMVI’byandronicusmaxonFlickr
Astoryfordiscussioningroupsorforindividualreflection
Arthuris24yearsold.HestruggledtofindworkafterleavinguniversityandwasunemployedformorethanayearuntilhefoundajobwithanagencyinLondonwhichpaidhim£14kayear.Hiscommutingcostsalonewere£5k.Lifeattheagencywashorrible.Hewasconstantlyshoutedatbyhisbossandhadtoworklateeverynighttohithistargets.Helivedunderthethreatofbeingfired.Manyoftheotheremployeeswereyoung,likeArthur,andmanysimplyleftafterafewweeksorweresackedwheneverthebossfeltvindictive.
HoweveroneofthethingswhichmostshockedArthurwashowhisco-workerscopedwiththestressandfinancialstraintheywereunder.OnhisfirstFridayatworkhewasofferedcocaine.Hesaidno.Butastimewentonhediscoveredthatformanyofhisfriends,weekendsmeantdrugs,casualhook-ups,gamblingorgaming.Manyweretoobroketoaffordrentandwentwithoutfoodorheating.Somewerelivingonfriends’sofasorstuckathomewiththeirparents.Thoseinrelationshipsoftenbrokeupthroughcheatingorargumentsaboutmoney.Onefriendworkedeveningsasastripper;othershadsecondjobscashinhand;yetothersdidsomedrugdealingontheside.
AfterawhileArthurleftandfoundabetter,morestablejob,buteventhere,hefoundhisyoungco-workerswereoftencaughtupinthesamechaoticlives,strugglingtofindawaytoliveinLondon.
![Page 12: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12
Yetinthetwoyearshehasbeeninwork,Arthurhasfoundthatpeoplecometohimforadviceandhelp.Theyaskedhimwhyhedidn’tdodrugs,whyhedidn’tgoondatingsitesorTinder,andhowhecopedwithhavingsolittlemoneyandstillmanagedtoholdontohisgoalsanddreams.Whenoneofthemhasa‘melt-down’hetakesthemoutformealsanddrinkshecanillaffordandlistenstotheirproblems.AndbecausetheyknowheisaChristian,theyaskhimtoo,aboutspiritualmatters–thepurposeoflife,howtobehappy,howtohavehope,howtochange.
Somequestionstothinkabout:
• WhathopehasChristianfaithgottooffertopeoplewhoarestressedandworriedaboutthefuture?
• HowmightChristiansbeequippedmoreeffectivelytounderstandtheissuesfacingyoungpeopleinandoutofworkinoursociety?
• HowcanArthur’schurchandChristianfriendssupporthiminhelpinghisco-workers?• Whatsortof‘newnews’doyouthinkyoungpeopletodayneedtohear?• WhatdoyouthinkaretheriskstoArthurandhisownfaith?
PhotobyLucieBluebird-LexingtononFlickr
Wherenext?
HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesonHope/NewNews.
![Page 13: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13
Starting a Conversation Themes: ConfidenceHonouring Memory
Flesh and Blood
Astoryfordiscussioningroupsorforindividualreflection
PhotobyArlBakkeronFlickr
ToldAugust2015toAnneRichards
Iamdiabetic.Iwenttohospitalforaroutinebloodtest.MyhusbandtookmeinthecarandIwasreallyearly.Hedroppedmeoffandwenttodosomeshopping.Iwasn’tsupposedtoeatordrinkanything,soIdidn’tgotothecafeteria.ButIdidn’twanttowaitinthewaitingroomeither,soIwentforawalkaroundtheoutside.
WhenIwalkedaroundthesideofthehospitalIsawthisboy,thisteenager,kickingoneofthebushes.Hewassmashingit.Therewereleavesandtwigseverywhere.Iwentuptohimandshoutedathimtostopitandtolookatthemesshewasmaking.Icalledhimavandal.Hejustlookedatmeandtoldmetofoff.Ididn’twanttroublesoIwalkedbackthewayIcame.
ThenIwonderedwhyhewasthereandwhyhewasbehavinglikethat.Itwasoddthattherewasthisboyonhisownsmashingupabush.ButhehadtoldmetofoffandIdidn’tfancygettinginanargumentorworse.SoIsaidaprayer,well,notreallyaprayer,justa‘whatdoyouthinkIshoulddo?’Ididn’tgetananswerinwords,justafeelingthatIshouldgoandseewhathewasdoing.SoIwentbackroundandhewasstillthere,buthehadstopped.IwentuptohimandsaidIwassorryIyelledathimandaskedhimifhesmoked.Hesaidhedid,soIgavehimacigarette.IjokedthatIwasgoingtogetintotroublebecauseI’mnotsupposedtosmoke.
Hedidn’tsayanythingsoIaskedhimifhewasok.
![Page 14: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
Hesaidhisnanjustdiedandthathismumwasinsidethehospitalcryingandhewaswaitingforhisdadtocomeanddealwithher,becausehecouldn’t.IsaidIwassorryandthatIfeltlikethatwhenmyhusband’smumdied.Iaskedwhetheritwasexpected(hisnanhadcanceritturnedout)andwhethertheyhadplannedthefuneral.Hesaidhedidn’tknowwhattheyweregoingtodo,soIaskedwhetherhisfamilywouldliketotalktothehospitalchaplainaboutwhattodonext.Hehadneverheardofahospitalchaplainandaskedwhatthatwas.SoIexplained.Hesaidhisfamilyweren’treligiousbutIsaidthatdidn’tmatter.Isaidthatifhewasfindingithardtotalktoorhelphismumbecausehisnanhaddied,thenthechaplaincouldhelp.
HeaskedforanothercigaretteandIsawhewasstartingtocry.SoItoldhimthatIwasn’tparticularly‘religious’butthatIbelievedinGodandJesusandIfirmlybelievedthatdeathwasn’ttheend.Isaidthechaplaincouldexplainaboutthatifhewantedtoaskaboutit.Iwasn’tthatgoodwithexplainingitmyself,butIdidbelieveit.Hesaidhewouldtellhismumthatthehospitalhadsomeoneshecouldtalkto.ThenhesaidthatifIwasaChristian,perhapsIcouldsayaprayerforhisnan.IsaidIwouldandIsaidIwouldsayaprayerforhimandhismumanddadaswell.Henoddedandsaidgoodbyeandthankyou.Isatinthewaitingroomandprayedforthemall.
Somequestionstothinkabout:
• WheredoyouthinkGodmighthavebeenatworkinthisstory?• Whatdoyoumakeofthewoman’sclaimthatsheisn’t‘particularlyreligious’?• Howdoyouthinkthewoman’smemoriesandpastexperienceshelpedtochangethe
situation?• Howimportantwouldtheboy’smemoriesofhisnanhavebeeninrespondingtoherdeath?• Howmightthisstorygiveusconfidencetospeaktoothersaboutourfaith?• Whatmightittaketorecognisethatthe‘vandal’wasapersonindeepdistress?• Whatdoyouthinkthehospitalchaplain’srolewouldhavebeeninhelpingthewholefamily?
PhotobyMrThinktankonFlickr
Wherenext?
HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesonConfidenceandHonouringMemory
![Page 15: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15
Starting a Conversation Themes: Sharing Being the Face of Love
Last Train Home
PhotobyAndrewHartonFlickr
Astoryfordiscussioningroupsorforindividualreflection
ToldtoAnneRichards,summer2015
Iwasonthelasttrainhometheotherday,theonetheycalltheVomitComet,becauseeverybodycomesbackdrunk.Itwasprettyhorrible.Therewereallsortsofloud,drunkblokesandthecarriagestankofalcohol.Idon’tlikegettingthattrain,butIhadtoworklatesoIhadnochoice.
Thisgirlgoton.Shewasprettywasted.Shesatnexttomeandkeptputtingherhandtoherfaceandlookingill.Thensheseemedtofallasleep.
Afteracoupleofstopsshesuddenlywokeupandputherhandtohermouthandtriedtogetup.Itriedtohelp,butitwastoolate.Shewassickeverywhereonthecarriagefloor.Peopleyelledandgotoutofthewayandsometoldhertogetoffthetrainbecauseshewasdisgusting.Butshejustsatdownagain,sayingshewassorry.Shefoundsometissuesandcleanedherfaceanddroppedthemontheflooroverthemess.
Acoupleofthedrunkblokescameupandstartedsuggestingshegohomewiththemandstartedtalkingabouthoweasyitwouldbetosleepwithherbecauseshewassooutofit.Istartedtogetreallyworriedthatsomethingmighthappentoher.Ididn’twanttotakeontheblokes,buttheyweregettingverynasty.
Iaskedherifshewasallrightandifsomeonewasmeetingherandwhatstationshewasgettingoffat.Butsheseemedtoooutofittosayanythingverycoherent,soIwasevenmoreworried.Igothertosayhernameandeventuallyfoundoutwhereshewasgoingtogetoff.
![Page 16: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16
IrangthetaxifirmIuseandaskediftheywouldsendataxiforher.Whenherstationarrived(2beforemine)Ihelpedheroffthetrainandthensomehowgotheroutsidetothecarpark.Iputherinthetaxiandthenaskedthedrivertotakeherhomeandthenme.Ittookawhiletofindoutwhereshelivedandthetaxidriverwasgettingannoyedthatshewastoowastedandmightmakeamessofthetaxi.IdidwonderwhatIhadgotintobutIwasdeterminedtogetherbacksafely.
Whenwegottoherhouse,herparentswereinandwereveryupsetbythesightofher.TheywantedtotalktomebutIsaidIhadtogethomemyselfandthetaxiwaswaiting.Igavethemmyphonenumberandwenthome.
Thenextdayherdadphonedmeandsaidthankyouandsaidthatshewasreallyillandthatshethoughtherdrinkhadbeenspiked.Idon’tknowifthatwastruethough.HeaskedmewhyIhaddoneitwhenIdidn’tknowherandifIwantedmoneyfordoingit.Iwasabitoffendedthathewouldthinkthat.IsaidthatshewassittingnexttomeandIthoughtshewasindangerandthatifthathappenedtomydaughterIwouldwantsomeonetotakecareofher.IthensaidIhadbeenbroughtupasaChristianandthatbeingaChristianwasaboutlookingafterothers,especiallyiftheycouldn’thelpthemselves.AndIsaidabouttheGoodSamaritanandhowhelookedaftersomebodywhowasindangerandwhennooneelsewould.Andhesaid‘Youaremydaughter’sGoodSamaritan’.
Somequestionstothinkabout:
• Whatwouldyouhavedoneifthedrunkyoungwomanhadbeenonyourtrainhome?• Doyouthinkthereshouldbelimitsontheriskswewilltaketohelpothers?• Howdoyouthinkthissituationdevelopedasanopportunitytosaysomethingaboutthe
Christianfaith?• Howdoyouthinkthevariouspeopleinvolvedfeltaboutthewoman’sactions?• Wheredoyouseeopportunitiesforlookingoutforothersinthecourseofyourdailylife?• Whatdoweneedtodotobecome‘thefaceoflove’forothers?
Wherenext?
HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesonthesamethemesofSharing/BeingtheFaceofLove
![Page 17: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
17
Engaging with the Bible Themes: Starting out Pursuing the Human
Photo:Rabiem22onFlickr
The Faith of the Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7. 24-30)
FromtherehesetoutandwentawaytotheregionofTyre.Heenteredahouseanddidnotwantanyonetoknowhewasthere.Yethecouldnotescapenotice,butawomanwhoselittledaughterhadanuncleanspiritimmediatelyheardabouthim,andshecameandboweddownathisfeet.NowthewomanwasaGentile,ofSyrophoenicianorigin.Shebeggedhimtocastthedemonoutofherdaughter.Hesaidtoher,‘Letthechildrenbefedfirst,foritisnotfairtotakethechildren’sfoodandthrowittothedogs.’Butsheansweredhim,‘Sir,eventhedogsunderthetableeatthechildren’scrumbs.’Thenhesaidtoher,‘Forsayingthat,youmaygo—thedemonhasleftyourdaughter.’Soshewenthome,foundthechildlyingonthebed,andthedemongone.
What’sgoingon?
InthisstoryinMark’sgospel,JesusisintheregionofTyre(nowinmodernLebanon),acosmopolitantradingregionfilledwithmanypeopleofdifferentbeliefsandpractices.There,despitetryingtoremainunnoticed,heistrackeddownbyanon-Jewishwomanwithasickchild.SheasksJesustohealherchildbutheinitiallyrebuffsher,quiterudely,sayingthathishealingministryisforhisownpeople.Yetthewomanpersists;althoughsheisnotJewishshebelievesthatJesuscanhealherdaughter.Jesusrespondstoherrawfaithinhisdivinepowertohelpherandshegoeshometofindherdaughterhealed.
Whydoesitmatter?
ThisstoryofferssomeimportantinsightsintothewayweengagetodaywithpeoplewhoarenotChristian.First,thegospelwriterplacesJesusinaregionfullofmanydifferentpeoplewithdifferent
![Page 18: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18
thoughtsandideas,tradingtheirwaresandbustlingabout.It’snotthesortofplaceforaheavenly-mindedJewtryingtostayrituallypure.InthisstoryJesusdoeswhatmanyofusdo,hideawayfromthethrongandtrytostaywithourkind,focusingonwhatwe’remeanttodo.Yethecan’tkeepthewidersocietyandcultureout.Itcomestohimanyway,withitsproblemsandconcerns.Inthefacetofaceencounter,Jesusstatestheissue:youarenotoneofus,youdon’tbelong,I’vegotaffairswithmyownpeopletoputinorder,-butthewoman’sneedandbeliefthatJesushassomethingrealandlife-changingtoofferhermeansthatshewon’tjustgoaway.AndsoJesusfindsthattheloveandgraceofGodcannotbewithheldforthechosenfew;hisministryisforeveryone.
Startingaconversation
• WhatisitlikeforChristianslivinginourmodernsociety?HowmightJesus’experiencefeelfamiliartous?
• Imaginewhatitislikeforacompletestrangertocomeintooneofourchurches.Whatdoesthatfeellike?
• WhatdoyouthinkJesuslearnedfromtheencounterwiththewoman?• HowdoesthisstoryhelpuswhenwemeetpeopleoutsidetheChurch?• Howmightthisstoryhelpusengagewithpeopleofotherfaiths?
Prayer:LordJesusChrist,helpustobringyourlovetoeverypersonwemeet.
Whatnext?
Thingstothinkaboutinyourlocalsituation:
Atchurch
• Whatsortofministryofwelcomedoesyourchurchhave?• Howregularlydonon-churchmembersknockontheparishpriest’s
door?Cometothechurchorchurchhall?Parishoffice?Other churchbuildings?Approachchurchmembers?Howcouldthat accessbeimproved?
Photo:DavidAmsleronFlickr
• WhatONEthingcouldbechangedinyourchurchtohelppeoplewhoarenotChristiansfeelmorewelcome?
• Howdoyoufindoutwhatvisitorstoyourchurchexperiencewhentheyattend?Intheworld
• WhathappenswhenyoumeetpeoplewhoarenotChristianinyourdailylife?• DothepeopleyouknowfeeltheycanapproachyouasaChristianaboutmattersoffaithand
spiritualissues?• Whendopeopleyouknowapproachyouforhelpaboutanything?• Whatsortofsituationscouldtherebewhereyouwouldn’thelpsomeonewhoaskedyou?• WhatONEthingcouldyoudotohelppeoplefeeltheycantrustyou?
HavealookatotherresourcesintheStartingOut/PursuingtheHumansections
![Page 19: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
19
Engaging with the Bible Themes: Trust:Making Community
PhotobyColumbiaGASPPonFlickr
The True Kindred of Jesus (Matthew 12. 46-50)
Whilehewasstillspeakingtothecrowds,hismotherandhisbrotherswerestandingoutside,wantingtospeaktohim.Someonetoldhim,‘Look,yourmotherandyourbrothersarestandingoutside,wantingtospeaktoyou.’Buttotheonewhohadtoldhimthis,Jesusreplied,‘Whoismymother,andwhoaremybrothers?’Andpointingtohisdisciples,hesaid,‘Herearemymotherandmybrothers!ForwhoeverdoesthewillofmyFatherinheavenismybrotherandsisterandmother.
What’sgoingon?
Imagineyouareinchurch,preaching,teaching,leadingworshiporgivingatalkofsomekind.Yougetatextonyourphonetosaythatyourmotheroryourbrotherorsisterisoutsideandwantyoutocomeoutandtalktothem.It’surgentandtheyreallywantyoutogooutandmeetthem.Instead,youmaketheirrequestintoateachingpoint.Everyoneinthechurchisyourfamilyandtheyhaveaclaimonyoutoo.InfactthisiswhatGod’skingdomislike,anextendedfamilywhereeveryonetreatspeoplewiththerespectandcareyouwouldgivetoyourownfamily.
ThisiswhatJesusdoes.HeusestheoccasiontochangethehierarchicalrelationshipsofteacherandfollowerstoafamilyunitedintheloveofGod.AsGodisFather,soeveryone’sreligiousidentityisnowdefinedbykinship,withallthetiesofmutualduty,love,hospitality,trustandrespectthatentails.
![Page 20: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
20
Whydoesitmatter?
Jesusproposesaradicalwayoflookingatourselvesasacommunity.FollowingGodisnotabouthavingstatusorrolesbutbeinginrelationshipwithoneanother.Discipleshipisnotaboutgainingspecialaccesstodivinetruthorhavingpoweroverothersbuthavingthesameresponsibilitiesandcareforoneanotherasinafamily.
Itmatterstoo,becausethiswasanaspectoflivinginthelifeofChristthatthedisciplesoftensimplydidn’t‘get’.TheyarguedaboutwhowasgoingtobethegreatestandwereshockedandhorrifiedwhenJesuswashedtheirfeet.YetJesusconstantlyurgedthedisciplestobefamilytooneanotherandaskedoneofthemtoadopthismotherevenashehungontheCross.Wetoo,oftenforgetaboutbeingfamilyandcommunityandarestilltodayhunguponroles,titles,statusandpower.
Startingaconversation
• Whatactivitiesinyourchurchfeelmostlikebeingafamily?Oneparticularelderlywomanalwaysstoodjustoutsidethechurchdooraftertheserviceandsaid‘Godbless’toeveryoneastheywentdownthesteps.Peoplewouldsay‘Thanks,Mum.’
• Supposeyourwelcomeandoutreachtootherswerere-modelledasaninvitationfromanopenandextendedfamily.WhoinyourChristiancommunitywouldyouidentifyasmothersandfathers?Whowouldbesistersandbrothers?
Prayer:Lord,helpusalwaystobeyourbrothersandsisters
Whatnext?
Makealistofactivitiesyoudoforandwithyourfamilyinatypicalweek.Forexample:
• Washingandironing• Makingmealsforfamilymembers• Lookingafterpeoplewhentheyaresick• Babysitting• Celebratingspecialoccasions• Spendingtimeandhavingfuntogether
PhotobyYunHuangYongonFlickr
Ifyouimaginedthesocialactionyourchurchorchurchestogetherdointhecommunityasbeingextensionsofthesefamilyactivities,howmightthatchangethewayyouviewthem?
HavealookatotherresourcesintheTrust/MakingCommunitysections
![Page 21: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21
Engaging with the Bible Themes: Hope: Creating New News
PhotobypaukrusonFlickr
A New Commandment (John 13.34-35)
Igiveyouanewcommandment,thatyouloveoneanother.JustasIhavelovedyou,youalsoshould
loveoneanother. Bythiseveryonewillknowthatyouaremydisciples,ifyouhaveloveforone
another.’
What’sgoingon?
Thecontextofthis‘newnews’matters.InJohn’sgospel,JesussaysthesewordsattheLastSupper.JudashasjustleftandJesusknowswhereJudashasgoneandthathewasgoingtobetrayhim.Theotherdisciplesdonot.Whatisgoingtohappenwhentheyfindout?WhatwillhappenwhenJesusisarrested,triedandsenttoexecution?
Thechancesarethatthediscipleswillfallapart.Theymightwellturnoneachother,dolingoutblameforJesus’death.Withouttheirleaderandteacher,astheystruggletounderstandGod’swill,theymightwelljustgiveupandthetiesthatbindthemtogethermightsimplydissolve.
EveryJewunderstandsthecommandmentsastheholiestexpressionofGod’sLaw.NowJesusoffersanewcommandment,adefiningreligiousrequirement,partoftheirreligiousidentity.AndthisnewcommandmentistoreplicateJesus’lifeintheirownlives,tobeChristianwitnessestoothers,characterisedbyloveforoneanother,notblame,recrimination,powerstruggleordespair.Thisiswhypeoplewilllooktothedisciplestogivethemhope.LivinginChristmeanstoliveinanewway,whichovercomeseventhedarkestandmostbewilderingexperiences.Jesusthrowsthemalifeline,awaytobethenewChristiancommunity.Theyjustdon’tknowityet.
![Page 22: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
22
Whydoesitmatter?
JesusisabouttoplacehimselfentirelyinGod’shands.ButattheLastSupperhealsolaysthefoundationsforthedisciples’future.Inwashingtheirfeet,institutingtheEucharistandgivingthisnewcommandment,heoffersawayofbeingwitheachother,andwithGod,whichwillbeasignofhopeforthosetheyministertoandevangeliseinthefuture.Indoingthesethings,healsogivesusthesamecommandment:wearetoloveoneanothersothatpeoplewillknowthatweareChristiandisciples.Butdowedothis?
Startingaconversation
• Alotofwhatpeople‘know’abouttheChurchisgatheredfromscandalstoriesinnewspapersandothermedia.Whatcouldwedoinourownlocalwitnessandbehaviourtochangeandchallengethoseperceptions?
• WhatneedstohappenwhenChristiancommunitiesareveryobviouslynotlovingoneanother?
• Jesussaid‘....asIhavelovedyou’.Whatdoyouthinkthedisciplesunderstoodbythat?
Prayer:LordJesus,helpustolivebyyournewcommandmentinallweareandwhatwedo.
Whatnext?
Somethingstodo:
• Whenyouarenextplanningeventsinchurchorforyourlocalcommunity,thinkabouthowyoucouldadvertiseitfornewnewsthatbringshopetopeople.Whywouldpeoplebesurprised,pleased,excitedorcuriousaboutwhatyourchurchisofferingorsayingaboutitself?
• WhatONEthingcouldyouchange(orstart)inyourchurchorinyourownlifewhichwouldshowChrist’sloveforhisfriendsmoreclearly?
Photo:CaitlinDoeonFlickr
HavealookatotherresourcesintheHope/CreatingNewNewssections
![Page 23: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
23
Engaging with the Bible Themes: ConfidenceHonouring Memory
Photo:gags9999onFlickr
The Woman at the Well (John 4. 27-30; 39-42)
Justthenhisdisciplescame.Theywereastonishedthathewasspeakingwithawoman,butnoonesaid,‘Whatdoyouwant?’or,‘Whyareyouspeakingwithher?’Thenthewomanleftherwater-jarandwentbacktothecity.Shesaidtothepeople,‘ComeandseeamanwhotoldmeeverythingIhaveeverdone!HecannotbetheMessiah,canhe?’Theyleftthecityandwereontheirwaytohim.
ManySamaritansfromthatcitybelievedinhimbecauseofthewoman’stestimony,‘HetoldmeeverythingIhaveeverdone.’SowhentheSamaritanscametohim,theyaskedhimtostaywiththem;andhestayedtherefortwodays.Andmanymorebelievedbecauseofhisword.Theysaidtothewoman,‘Itisnolongerbecauseofwhatyousaidthatwebelieve,forwehaveheardforourselves,andweknowthatthisistrulytheSaviouroftheworld.’
What’sgoingon?
JesusbreakssomeculturalandreligiousboundarieswhenhetalksaboutGodtoaSamaritanwomanwhoisdrawingwaterfromawell.SamaritansandJewsdidnotgetontogetherandmenwerenotsupposedtotalktounaccompaniedwomen.Butthisisnotjustatheologylesson;Jesusshowsthatheknowsallaboutthewoman’slife,includingallaboutherpast.Despitehercomplicatedlife,JesusentrustsherwithgoodnewsaboutGod.Shebecomesanevangelist,tellingeveryoneinhercommunityaboutJesussothattheygotofindabouthimthemselves.HavingtalkedtoJesustheygo
![Page 24: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
24
backtotheircommunityandtellthewomanthattheybelieveinJesusandthatshehasspokenthetruth.
Whydoesitmatter?
ManycommentatorsfocusonthewayJesuscutsacrossculturaltaboos,butitisalsoimportantthatJesustalkstothewomaninthecontextofherwholehistory:‘HetoldmeeverythingIhaveeverdone’.Sheisapersonwithapast,butthatpastisalsowhataddsdepthandconfidencetohertestimonyandmakespeoplewanttofindoutaboutJesusforthemselves.IfthispersoncanbeexcitedaboutJesus,perhapsit’sworthfindingoutaboutJesus.ThewomanissoamazedbyJesussherushesoff,leavingherwaterjarbehind,invitingpeopleto‘comeandsee!’Peopledo
comeandseeandinviteJesustocomeintotheirlivesandsharewiththem.
PhotobyDavidRosenonFlickr
Startingaconversation
• Howmightaperson’spastorreputationaddweighttowhattheysayabouttheirfaith?• HowimportantisitthatJesusshowheknows‘everythingIhaveeverdone’?• Howdoyouthinkthewoman’scommunityreactedwhensheturneduptalkinglikethis(and
withoutthewater)?• Doesyourchurchwelcomepeopleofeverybackground?Howwouldyoufeelabout
worshippingalongsidepeoplewhoaredivorced,oraregayoraretransgender?• Howwouldyoufeelaboutworshippingalongsidepeoplewhohavebeeninprison,orare
homeless,orwhohavementalhealthissues?• Arethereelementsinyourownpersonalhistorywhichhelpyouempathisewithpeople
goingthroughproblemsnow?
Prayer:LordJesus,youknowthesecretsofourhearts,helpusinviteothersto‘comeandsee’.
Whatnext?
Thingstodo:buildingconfidence
• Youcouldlookatprovidingasafespaceinyourchurchforpeoplewhomightwanttotalkaboutdifficultepisodesintheirpast.
• Youcouldalsoreviewyourchurch’sworkinmissionandevangelism.Aretherepeoplewhoarebeingoverlookedbecausetheydon’t‘fit’thepictureofanevangelist?
HavealookatotherresourcesintheConfidence/HonouringMemorysections.
![Page 25: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
25
Engaging with the Bible Themes: Sharing; Being the Face of Love
PhotobyAleksanderDragnesonFlickr
The Howling Man (Mark 5.1-13)
Theycametotheothersideofthelake,tothecountryoftheGerasenes.Andwhenhehadsteppedoutoftheboat,immediatelyamanoutofthetombswithanuncleanspiritmethim.Helivedamongthetombs;andnoonecouldrestrainhimanymore,evenwithachain;forhehadoftenbeenrestrainedwithshacklesandchains,butthechainshewrenchedapart,andtheshackleshebrokeinpieces;andnoonehadthestrengthtosubduehim.Nightanddayamongthetombsandonthemountainshewasalwayshowlingandbruisinghimselfwithstones.WhenhesawJesusfromadistance,heranandboweddownbeforehim;andheshoutedatthetopofhisvoice,‘Whathaveyoutodowithme,Jesus,SonoftheMostHighGod?IadjureyoubyGod,donottormentme.’Forhehadsaidtohim,‘Comeoutoftheman,youuncleanspirit!’ThenJesusaskedhim,‘Whatisyourname?’Hereplied,‘MynameisLegion;forwearemany.’Hebeggedhimearnestlynottosendthemoutofthecountry.Nowthereonthehillsideagreatherdofswinewasfeeding;andtheuncleanspiritsbeggedhim,‘Sendusintotheswine;letusenterthem.’Sohegavethempermission.Andtheuncleanspiritscameoutandenteredtheswine;andtheherd,numberingabouttwothousand,rusheddownthesteepbankintothelake,andweredrownedinthelake.
What’sgoingon?
Inthisstrangeanddisturbingstory,Jesusgoestoamanwhoissodesperatelymentallyillandinwardlytormentedthatpeoplehavechainedhimup.Butnoneoftheirrestraintshavelastedandheisrovingaboutscreamingandhurtinghimself.Hehasbeenabandonedandislivingamongthedead.Jesustalkstotheman,agreeshowhewillbehealedandgiveshimhealing.Theevilthathasafflictedthemanisdrivenoutanddestroyed.
Whydoesitmatter?
![Page 26: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
26
OnonelevelthisisastoryaboutthetriumphofJesusoverthespiritualrealm,drivingoutevilandrestoringthemanashewasmeanttobeunderGod.However,onanotherlevel,whatisimportantisthatthereisafacetofacemeetingbetweenJesusandamannobodyelseknowswhattodowith,apersonabandonedasahopelesscase,tiedupandcastoutawayfromsociety.YetJesusdoesnottreatthemanasa‘case’orashowpieceinexorcism;hesharesaconversationwithhim.Heaskshimhisname,findsoutaboutwhatitisliketobeinhisconditionandhealshim.JesusrevealsGod’sloveandcompassiontotheman,meetinghimonhisowntermsandinhisownplace.Heshowsusawaythatwetoocanbethefaceoflovetoothers.
Startingaconversation
• Whatsortofpeopledoyouthinkareinthepositionofthehowlingmantoday?• Wherearethe‘no-go’placesinoursocietyandwhoisbestplacedtohelpthepeoplewho
livethere?• IfJesusspenttimesharingwiththemanbeforehealinghim,whatshouldwebesharingwith
thosewetrytohelp?Whatmightwelearnfromtheminourturn?
Prayer:LordJesus,helpustobethefaceofGod’slovetoothers,especiallytothosewhomothers
haveabandoned,givenup,orwhoareunheardorignored.
Whatnext?
Somethingstodo:
• Lookroundyourlocalareaforcharitieswhichhelpthemostvulnerableinoursociety.Findoutwhattheydoandseeiftherearewaysinwhichyouand/oryourchurchcouldhelporsupportthem.
• Thinkabouthowyoucouldsupportpeoplewhoprovideministrytothosewho‘hiddenaway’,suchasthoseinprison,insecurepsychiatricfacilities,peoplewhoarevictimsoftraffickingetc.
• Putasideaperiodoftime(egLentorAdvent)toconcentrateonbeingthefaceofJesus’lovetothosearoundus,perhapstakingabitmoretimetolistentofriendsorcolleagues,ormakingtimetovisitpeoplewhoarelonelyorinneedofachat.
Photo:‘CompassionandFriendship’byAdamSmithonFlickr
HavealookatotherresourcesintheSharing/BeingtheFaceofLovesections
![Page 27: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
27
Making a Change Themes: Starting OutPursuing the Human
Driving
PhotobywhatleydudeonFlickr
Awomanwasinvitedtoastreetpartybutsherefusedtocomeandjoininwithherneighbours.Whensomeoneknockedonherdoorandaskedherwhyshedidn’twanttocomeandjointhem,shesaidthatwhenevershedroveupthenarrowroadtoherhouseandpulledovertoletsomebodypass,theyneverwavedorsaidthankyou,soshedidn’twanttosocialisewithsuchungratefulpeople.
Foralotofus,gettinginthecaranddrivingoffissecondnature.Ifwe’refortunateenoughtoownacar,thenitoftenbecomesanextensionofourhome.Wepilethekidsintogotoschool,theswimmingpool,tovisitrelatives.Weputthedoginthebacktogotothepark.Wegotothesupermarket,thegardencentre,ontripsout,orvisits.
Oftenthoughassoonaswe’rebehindthewheelorcomfortablysittinginthepassengerseatwezoneout.Weputtheradioon,talktopassengersorjustthinkaboutwhatwe’regoingtogetattheshopsorwhetherwe’regoingtobelatefortheschoolpickup.Otherroadusersandpedestriansarejusttheregoingabouttheirbusinessorannoyinguswiththeirbaddriving.
Butsupposethatweconsideredourowndrivingbehaviourasawayofbeingsociallyresponsible?Perhapsitreallywouldmakeadifferencetootherpeople,ifwemadeanefforttodrivewiththeirwelfareconsciouslyinmindandhelpedpeoplewhomightbelessconfidentthanweare.TheAAreportssomeappallinginstancesofharassmentoflearnerdriversandagenerallackofconsiderationandrespect.http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/news/driving-school-road-rage-idiots.html
Jesusasksustoloveourneighbourandwetendtothinkofneighboursaspeoplewholivenearusorwhoshareourlivesinsomeway.Butontheroad,allthevehiclesandpedestriansaroundusareour
![Page 28: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
28
neighbours.Perhapsitwouldmakesomeone’sdaytobegivenspaceatabusyjunctionorleftaparkingspacenearertotheentranceofchurchorshop.
Whatreallymakesmecrossiswhensomeonedangerouslycutsyouupandthecarthey’redrivinghasgotafishstickerontheback...
Herearesomeideastothinkabout.Youcouldalsocomeupwithideasofyourown.
• Acknowledgeandsaythankyoutoanyonewhogiveswaytoletyoupass.• Bemoreawareofpedestriansatcrossings.Waitthatbitlongerforaparentwithatoddler
crossingtheroad.Don’tspeeduptogetpastthembeforetheystarttocross.• Consciouslyanticipatetheroadconditionsandtraffic.Whatdoyouneedtodotodrivemore
safely?Howcanyouhelpotherroadusersgetaboutsafely?Thinkespeciallyaboutpeoplearoundbusesandicecreamvans,cyclistsandmotorcyclists.
• Makesureyourcarisingoodrepairandallthelightsareworkingandthatyouarenotendangeringothersbymakingitdifficultforthemtoseeyou.
• Ifyoufeelangrywithsomeonewhohasdrivenbadly,findawaytoletitgoratherthanretaliate.
• Makespaceforpeopletojointraffic–evertriedtogetontoajammedmotorwayfromasliproadorontoamainroadfromabusyjunctionandbeenstuckthereaspeoplecrowdyouout?Youcouldhelpsomeonebyleavingenoughspaceforthemtogetout.NOTE:ifyouaregoingtoletsomeoneout,makeeyecontactwiththemandeitherjustwaitforthemtopulloutorindicatewithyouhandyouarelettingthemgo.Don’tflashyourheadlightsasthereisascamcalled‘flashforcash’wheresomecriminalsdeliberatelyinvitepeopleoutbyflashingandthenhitthemtoclaiminsurance.Flashingheadlightstoletpeopleoutmightmakethemvulnerabletothisscam.
• Ifyouareablebodiedleavetheclosestparkingspacesforpeoplewhomightfinditmoredifficulttowalktotheshopsorthehealthcentreorthechurch.Itcan’thurttoparkabitfartherawayfromtheentrance,evenifit’sraining.
• Whenyouhaveparkedyourcarthinkbackoverthedrive.Howhaveyouhelpedyourneighboursontheroad?Whomighthavehadabetterday?Whattemptedyoutogetannoyedandhowdidyoureact?
Whatnext?
HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesintheStartingOut/PursuingtheHumansections.
![Page 29: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
29
Making a Change Themes: TrustMaking Community
Sharing the Peace
PhotobyDavidPaceyonFlickr
John20.21Jesussaidtothemagain,‘Peacebewithyou.AstheFatherhassentme,soIsendyou.’
Whatdoyoudoinyourchurchtogreetoneanother,ortosharethepeacewithoneanother?Ahug,akiss,ahandshake,apolitenodinthedirectionoftheotherperson?Doesitmatterhowwedothis?Isitsomethingwelookforwardtoordreaddoing?
Insomecountriesitisamatterofpolitenesstogreetothers,shakehandsandperhapsevenshareadrinkoraconversationbeforebuyingsomethinginashop.IntheUK,wetendtojustmarchin,findwhatwewant,handitover,payforit,andmarchoutagain.
Yetonthewhole,Christiansaregoodatmakingcommunitywherevertheygo.Thismeanswearemorelikelytoconsidertheotherpersonintheencounterswehaveinourdailylivesandtoseethemasinterestinghumanbeingsratherthanas‘just’serviceproviders.ItmightbethatmeetingoneanotherasafamilyonaSunday,equipsuswiththeabilitytoseeothersintermsofrelationship.Howcanwebuildonthat,sothatwebecomemorewillingtoengagewithothersratherthanjust‘take’fromthem,andmoreabletobuildtrustwiththosearoundus?
I’veservedaboutthirtycustomersthismorningandyouaretheonlyonewhohassaid‘thankyou’...
OnewaymightbetoimaginesharingthepeaceofChristwitheveryonewemeetonadailybasis.Thatmeansbuildingonwhatwedoinchurch,pausingtoallowenoughtimeandspacetoacknowledgetheotherpersonandtowishGod’sblessinguponthem.Youcandothiswheneveryouareoutandaboutorifyouworkinaprofessionthatispublicfacing.
Itriedtoaskwhattheshewantedbutshewouldn’tgetoffhermobilephone....
![Page 30: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
30
Itmaysoundodd,butwenowliveinasocietywhererespectforothers,politenessandgratitudearesometimesinshortsupply.Beingmoreintentionalaboutenquiringafterothers,offeringtohelp,sayingthankyouandbeingwillingtohaveashortchatcanactuallymakesomeone’sday,especiallyiftheyworkinajobwhichlaysthemopentorudeness,orevenverbalabuse.Manypeopleworkingtoprovideotherswithgoodsandservicesalsofeeltakenforgranted,exploitedandundervalued.Evenprofessionalpeoplelikedoctorsandsolicitorsneedtofeelvaluedandoftenonlygetcomplaintsratherthankindnessandappreciation.
Herearesomethoughtsabouthowwecan‘makecommunity’andshareGod’speaceeveryday.
• Trynottobetoorushed,sothatyouhavetimefortheotherperson,ratherthanthinkingaboutwhatarushyouarein.
• Ifyourphonerings,leaveit.Helptheotherpersontofeeltheyareimportanttoyou.• Sayhello,askthemaquestion[eg‘whatsortofdayareyouhaving?],saythankyouand
meanit.• Trynottosaytheemptythingspeoplealwayssay.• Ifthepersonhasanamebadge,remembertheirnameandprayforthemlater.• Ifyougetthechanceforafriendlyconversation,useit.• Imaginesharingthepeacewiththemorsaysomethinglike‘Ihopeyouhaveapeacefulday’.• Ifyouregularlyseethispersoninyourdailylife,likeabusdriverorGPreceptionist,make
thempartofyourprayerlife,thankingGodforthemandwhattheydo.Tellthemyouaregladtoseethemorgratefulandappreciativefortheservicestheyprovide.
• AttimeslikeChristmasandEasterorotherappropriateoccasions,youmightbeable,asachurch,totakesomethinglikebiscuits,fruitorothersmallgiftstoplacesyouhave‘madecommunity’toshowappreciationforwhatthestaffdo.
Thisisanexerciseinbuildingtrustandapplyingwhatweofferinchurchtothewiderworld.Whiletheserelationshipsmightleadtoevangelismandinvitationinduecourse,theimportantmatteristolearnaboutourselvesandhowwerelatetoothersaswetrytoleadmeaningfulChristianlives.
Trydoingthiswithothersfromyourchurchorgroupforaweekandthencompareexperiences.
• Howeasyordifficultwasthistodo?• Whatsortofreactionorresponsedidyougetfrompeople?
Photo:ManishBansalonFlickr
Whatnext?HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesintheTrust/MakingCommunity
sections.
![Page 31: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
31
Making a Change Themes: HopeCreating New News
Smart Living
Wearelivinginatimeofcomputers,tablets,satnavs,appsandsmarttechnologyfromphonestofitbits.Oursourcesofinformationcomeincreasinglyfromtheinternet,andsoitmattershowconnectedwearetowifiormobilecommunications.Foryoungerpeopletodaytheinternethasalwaysbeenpartoftheirlives;olderpeoplemaybebusytryingtolearnnewskillsandtomanagethewelteroffast-changingnewtechnology.Often,itisyoungerpeoplewhotodayhavemorewisdomand‘savvy’aboutusingsmartphonesandtheinternetthantheirparentsandgrandparents.Shouldwetrustthemmoretoleadthewayinthis?
Thequestion,‘whoismyneighbour?’takesonanewperspectivetoday,whensocialmediaplatformslikeFacebookandTwitterallowustoconnectinstantlywithpeopleontheothersideofacityoreventheothersideoftheworld.Therearepeoplewhosharetheirintimateliveswithothersonline,perhapswhenlivingwithdisease,andgetsupport,encouragementandprayersfromthosewhofollowtheirstoryandhelpthemfeellessalone.Ontheotherhand,wealsohearoftrollswhobully,belittleandberateindividuals,usingtherelativeanonymityoftheirstatusonlinetoventtheirhatredorspleen,causingupsetanddistress.
Withthesenewtechnologiescomenewopportunitiesandnewproblems.Ontheonehandasmartphonecanstopyoungpeoplegettinglost,reassureparentsthatalliswellandprovideeasyaccesstohelpandassistanceshouldsomethinggowrong.Ontheotherhandtheriseofcyber-bullying,onlinegroomingandsextingcausesparentsnewworries.
RelianceontechnologysuchassmartphoneshascausedthemissiologistMikeFrosttocointheterm‘excarnation’.Peoplenowadaysmaychoosetolivemorethroughtheirtechnology,takingselfiesandvideoingeventsandlookingatthoselater,thanexperiencingthemoment.Ourtechnologyinvitesustoengagewithrealitydifferently,sothatinatraincarriagefullofpeopletherecanbeawholehostofinvisiblepeoplealsopresentattheotherendofconversationsandexperiences.
Soinanincreasingly‘excarnate’worldwecanask:
HowdowemakesenseofnewtechnologyasasignofhopeforthefutureGodintendsforus?
![Page 32: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Whatnewnewsdopeopletodayneedtoheartohelpthemknowhowtousetheirinternetenableddeviceswisely?
• Makealistofhelpfultechnologieswhichareusefultohumanbeingsintransformingourworldforthebetter.
• Makealistofcautionsabouttheuseofinternet-enableddevicesindailylife.Someexamplesmightbe:
• Technologiesusedtocurediseasessuchasmalaria• Peoplenottakingcarewithselfiesandputtingthemselvesindangerbyforgettingwhere
theyare.Reversethelistsbylookingatthedangersoftechnologicaladvancewithoutproperethicalcontrolsandatthehelpfulsideofinternet-enableddevices.
Someexamplesmightbe
• Issuesaroundgene-editingandgeneticmodification;orinternetscamsandphishing.• GPStohelpyouifyougetlost.
Photo:AndrewCurrieonFlickr
In2015thecomposerAndrewLloydWebberurgedchurchestoprovidewi-fitomakechurchesmoreconnectedtotheircommunities.Somechurchesandchurchhallsalreadydothis.How,asChristians,canweprovidewisdomtogenerationsafterusaboutappropriateuseoftechnologyandtheinternetandhowcanweuseitourselvestoobtaingoodinformation,careforandsupportothers,andreachoutandsustainothers?
Thingsyoucandoinyourchurch:
Oneinitiativemightbetogetyoungerpeopleinthechurchtoprovideahelplineserviceforolderpeoplewhoareworriedaboutcomputervirusesandphishingscams.
Anothermightbeforolderpeopletoprovideapersonal‘humanvoice’helplineserviceforanyonesufferingfromcyberbullying.
Youcanprobablythinkofevenmorepossibilitiesandexamplesofhelpingyourneighboursandcommunities.
Whatnext?HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesintheHope/CreatingNewNews
sections.
![Page 33: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
33
Making a Change Themes: ConfidenceHonouring Memory
Being there
Ayoungmotorcyclistwaskilledinanaccidentandatthesiteofhisdeath,hisfriendsgatheredtobringflowers,cards,andtoys.Hismotorcyclewasalsoleftthereandpeoplewrotemessagesonit.Somepeoplebroughtcansofbeerinabucketandleftanotherbucketforrubbishwhichwasclearedawaydaily.Someoneelsebroughtabenchandpeoplesatonittoremembertheirfriend.Afterawhileanelderlymancameeverydaytositonthebenchandtalktothedeadperson’sfriendsaboutwhattheywerefeeling.Andsoonpeoplecametospendtimewithhim,askinghimallsortsofquestionsaboutfaith,life,theuniverseandeverything.Onedaythoughhewasn’tthereandthepeoplemissedhimandwonderedwherehewas.HehadgonetochurchbecauseitwasSunday.
Agroupofyoungadultsfromseverallocalchurchesundertooktoprovideamapofalarge,ratherneglectedgraveyardintheirarea,chartingnamesanddatesanddrawingthelocationsofgraves.Whiletheywerethere,theyfoundtheywereincreasinglytalkingtorelativesandfriendsatfuneralsandhelpingwhenpeoplecametovisit,layflowersandremember.Fromtheseencounters,thegroupfoundthemselvesformingsomesmallergroups.Onedevelopedabereavementministryforpeopleimmediatelyafterfuneralshadtakenplace;anothersmallgroupstartedtoworkwithfuneraldirectorstoprovidepracticalhelpaboutpreparingforfunerals.Athirdgroupoperatedabefriendingservicetowidowsandwidowersofferingpeoplecomingtovisitthechanceofacupofteainthegardencentrenextdoor.Afourthgroupofferedprayersforbereavedfamilies.
Wesometimesthinkthataconfidentsharingofourfaithwithothersisaboutleadingpeopleforwardintoanewstageontheirspiritualjourney.EvangelismisabouttheirlifewithChristfromnowon.Butpeople’smemoriesandrelationshipsareanimportantpartoftheirspiritualitytoo.Whotheyhavebeen,eveniftheyhavetragicordifficultpasts,canbeimportanttotheirdevelopmentas
![Page 34: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
34
peopleoffaith.Lifecrises,likeillness,divorce,orthedeathoffriends,childrenorparents,alsobringtheimportanceofrememberingandreflectionintotheforeground.Itispartofspiritualdevelopment,howpeoplemakesenseofsurvivingthoseevents.
Similarly,andperhapsparadoxically,havingconfidenceinfaithdoesnotnecessarilymeanhavingalltheanswers.Theelderlymanonthebenchwasconfidentinhisabilitytoreceivethegrievingofbewilderedfriends;hedidnotclaimtobeabletosolveorchangetheirgrief,butcamebackdayafterdaytosharewiththem,praywiththemorevenjustsitinsilencewiththem.
Thesestoriesshowusthatstandingalongsidevulnerablepeople,grievingpeople,lonelypeopleandlostpeople,beingpreparedtolistentothem,honourtheirmemoriesandsimplytocomeback,dayafterday,buildsconfidenceinthosepeoplethatChristiansdocare,willcareandcanbereliedupon.Tryingto‘solve’people’sissueswithoutsolidarity,orevangelisingthemtowashawaytheirpasts,caninfacterodesuchconfidence.
Thingstodoandthinkabout:
• WhatexistingministriesdoyouhaveinyourchurchwhichcanbuildconfidenceinthecommunityinChristiansasasourceofhelpandsolidarity?
• Howmightthoseministriesbeextended?• Whoarethepeopleinyourcommunitywhosememoriesespeciallyneedtobehonoured
andrespected?• Howmightthosepeopleofferthosememoriesbacktothechurch?• Whatopportunitiesdoyouhaveforcommemorationandcelebrationaschurchesandas
communities?
Photo,‘streetparty’byIainandSarahonFlickr
Whatnext?HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesintheConfidence/HonouringMemory
sections.
![Page 35: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
35
Making a Change Themes: SharingBeing the Face of Love
Mapping the Kingdom
ThisisamapofBurybutyoucanuseanybasictownmaporamapofyourownlocalarea.
Imagine,eitherindividuallyorinagroup,thatyouarelookingatthismapfromaGod’s-eyeview.
• WheredoyouseeaChristianpresenceonthemap–whereChristiansareactiveandmakingadifference?
• WheredoyouseeplaceswhereChristiansregularlygather?• WheredoyouseeplaceswhereChristiansregularlygointheirdailylives?• ArethereareasofthemapwhicharenottouchedbyChristianpresence?What’shappening
inanyofthoseareas?WhatmightGodalreadybedoingthere?• Wheremightpeopleofotherfaithsfitintothispicture?• Aretherefeaturesmissingfromthemapwherepeopleareoverlooked,unmentionedor
forgotten?• ImaginethismapasamapofthekingdomofGodoverlaidonthephysicalgeography–
whereisthekingdombecomingmostapparent?Whereisitnotinevidence?• WhatchangeswouldhavetotakeplaceforthekingdomofGodtoberealisedacrossthe
wholemapandwhowouldbeinvolvedinthat?
![Page 36: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
36
• Whatnewthings(housing,shops,schools,leisurecentres)havebeenhappeninginyourlocalareathatcouldbenefitfromChristianhospitalityandengagement?
• Inruralareas,howdoesthekingdomincludefarmers,animals,land,landmanagement?• Isthemapdifferentaccordingtoseason?• Howcanwebethefaceoflovetotouristsorvisitors?• HowcanweuseourkingdommapstobuildconfidenceinsharingourChristianpresence
andwitnesstoChristeverywherewego?
Photo:DickO’BrienonFlickr
Thingstodo:
• ImagineyouarerecordingsatnavinstructionsforChristianactivitiesinyourarea.Howwouldyoudirectapersonstartingonamainroadintoyourarealookingforworship,services,enquiriesaboutfaith,helpwithpersonalproblemsetc?Anumberofyoucoulddothisinagroup,mapoutthedirectionsandoverlaythemtoseewhatdifferentjourneysthatmightentail.Youmightthenwanttovisitsomeofthoseplacesandseehowtheyworkas‘stations’forpeopletryingtofindoutmoreaboutChristianfaithorlookingforChristianhelp.
IdentifyONEareaoftheplacewhereyoulivewhereyoucanbethefaceofChrist’slovetootherpeople.
• Whatisthatareaandwhatdoesitneed?• Whathaveyougottooffer(Presence?Time?Volunteering?Talents?)• Whoelsecouldyouworkwith(includingotherchurches,faithgroups,communitygroups,
agencies,farmersetc)?Setatimelimit(aday/week/month)tothis,andthenreviewwhatdifferenceithasmadetothemap.
Whatnext?HavealookatsomeoftheotherresourcesintheSharing/BeingtheFaceofLove
sections.
![Page 37: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
37
Reflection: Starting outPursuing the Human
Let us Pray
Photo‘PrayingHands’byPhilWarrenonFlickr
Amancametoafriend’sfuneral.Whentheministersaidtothecongregation‘letuspray’,themanturnedtothepersonnexttohimandsaid‘whatdoIdo?’
WhentheChurchofEngland’sSocialResponsibilityOfficerscametogethertodiscussstoriesonfaithinactionattheir2015nationalconference,itwasnoticeablehowmanyofthosestoriesincludedtheimportanceofprayer.Prayingwithandforothers,prayinginworshipfortheworld,prayingforguidanceandwisdomtoknowwhattodotohelpothers,prayingforGodtobepresentinsocialactionandworkingforsocialjustice,prayingforstrengthandcourageindifficultdecision,prayingwhenwefailandpeoplestillgohungry,unhelped,ordie.
ResearcherslikeDavidHayandRebeccaNye,whohavestudiedthespiritualityofpeoplewhodonotgotochurch,showthatmanysuchpeoplehavepowerfulspiritualexperiencesandmayfeelthattheyhavegenuinelyencounteredGodworkingintheirlives.Buttheymaynothavethewordstoarticulatetheseexperiencesoraskquestionsaboutthem,andmanymoreworrythattheywillbelaughedatorhumiliatediftheytry.Suchpeopleoftenwanttopraybutdon’tknowhowtobeginorifthereisa‘rightway’topray.
WhenthosearoundJesusaskedhimhowtopray,hegavethemthewordsoftheLord’sPrayer(seeLuke11.1-4).Healsotaughtthemaboutprayer;thatitisprimarilyanexpressionofrelationshipwithGodasFather,notasetofdemandsorawishlisttoadistantdeity(seeMatthew6.5-14).Tothatextentprayerispersonaltoeachoneofus.Thereisno‘right’waytopray,butJesussaysthatprayingforshow,tolookextrareligiousortoimpressothersisnotwhatprayingisabout.
Thingstodo:
![Page 38: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
38
• Spendsometimethinkingabouthowyoupray.Howcouldyoudeepenandextendyourownprayerlife?
• UnderwhatcircumstanceswouldyoufeelcomfortableprayingwithsomeoneoutsidetheChurch?
• HowwouldyoutalkabouttheLord’sPrayertosomeonewhohadneverheardofit?• Whatwouldyousaytosomeonewhoaskedyouhowtopray?• PeopleofallfaithsandnoneareoftenprofoundlygratefulfortheprayersoftheirChristian
friends.Howcouldyouletthepeopleyouencounterandworkwithknowthattheyareinyourprayers?
AtChristmasateamofChristianswentfromdoortodoorinaparishwithanotebook,askingpeopleiftherewasanythingoranyonetheywouldlikethemtoprayforattheparishchurch.Alotofpeoplewroteinthebookaboutsickrelatives,jobworries,bullying,examstressandmanyotherproblemsandconcerns.Allwereprayedforataspecialservice,butthebookalsocreatedapictureofissuesinthelocalarea,especiallylonelinessandisolation.Thechurchthenorganisedaseriesofschemes,includingbefriendingschemes,aChristiantaxiandbaby-sittingserviceandapet-sharescheme,tohelppeopletheyhadheardaboutthroughthedayofprayer.
Photo:NancyHannonFlickr
WhatNext?
HavealookatotherresourcesintheStartingOut/PursuingtheHumansections.
![Page 39: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
39
Reflection: Trust Making Community
Photo:AnthonyEastononFlickr
Sanctuary
Awomanwasphonedbyananxiousneighbourwhohadnoticedatallyoungmaninahoodedtophangingaroundthewoman’sfrontdoor.Afterawhiletheyoungmanwasjoinedbytwoothers,alsoinhoodedtops,whowerelookinginthroughthewindows.Theneighbourwasconcernedforthewoman’ssafetyandaskedherifsheshouldcallthepolice.Thewomanlookedoutandsawthatthetallyoungmanwasherson.Theothertwowerehisfriends.
Manypeopletodayareasanxiousastheneighbourintheabovestory.Becausepeoplefearthingslikecrimeandterrorism,commonworriesandsuspicionsoftencentreonpeoplewhoappearinsomewaysuspiciousordifferent.Thatmeansthatpeoplewhoarevulnerableorinfactinmostneedofhelpandcarecanbeviewedasthreatening,alarmingorsimplytobeavoided.
Anotherprimecauseofanxietyintoday’ssocietyisthefearthatwearenotincontrol,thatpowersofevilareatworkintheworldandthatourlivesaredisintegrating.Peopleoftenfeelthatthosewhogovernuscannotbetrustedandsoourfuturesareindanger,whethertheissuesarearoundtheNHS,pensions,patternsofmigration,orclimatechange.
Christiansarenotimmunetotheseworriesandconcerns,butwecanstarttothinkabouthowtogetahandleonthemifwethinkaboutthemasspiritualissues.
Somethingstothinkabout:
• HowdoesChristianfaithhelpusdealwithfears,worriesandconcernsaboutthestateoftheworldandourlocalsituation?
![Page 40: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
40
• Howcanwehelpotherswiththeirownworriesandanxietiesthroughbuildinguptrust?• HowcanourchurchesandChristiancommunitiesbeplacesofsanctuaryandsafetyfor
vulnerablepeopleandthosemistrustedbyothers?Whyshouldpeopletrustus?
• Howoftendowetellthetruth;behavewithhonestyandtransparency;showrespectforothers;showkindnessandcompassion;actwithintegrity?
• Whatdowedowhenwefallshortinourbehaviour?• HowdowewitnesstoaGodwhocanbetrusted?
Ifyourchurchorcommunityisinvolvedinsocialaction:
• HowdosocialactionprojectsbuildtrustandconfidenceinChristiansandChristianbehaviour?
• Doesthechurchcomeacrossasaplaceofsafety,wherepeoplecanbetrustedtohelp?• Howdoyourprojectsaddressspiritualneedsoffearandconcernaswellasmaterialneeds?
Photo:JPonFlickr
WhatNext?
HavealookatotherresourcesintheTrust/MakingCommunitysections
![Page 41: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
41
Reflection: HopeCreating New News
Photobyasenat29onFlickr
Giving
ThinkbacktoyourlastbirthdayorChristmasandthegiftsyoureceivedfromyourfamilyoryourfriendsandaboutthoseyougavetoothers.
Didyouget:
• Whatyouwanted?• Whatyouneeded?• Whatotherpeoplethoughtyouwanted?• Whatotherpeoplethoughtyouneeded?• Whatotherpeoplethoughtyoumightlike?• Whatotherpeoplereallywouldhavelikedtoreceivethemselves?• Somethingwhichclearlyindicatedtheycouldn’tthinkwhattoget?
Whatwouldhavehappenedifyoureallydidn’twantagiftatall?
Gift-givingisactuallyquiteacomplexbusiness,andindeeditisaspiritualissue.Afterall,wetalkaboutthegiftofGod’slove,thegiftofgrace,thegiftofredemption,thegifttousofJesusasGod’sson.Gift-givingcanbeanactofhospitality,respect,love,kindnessandcompassion.Itcancementfriendshipandbringgreatjoyandgratitude.
Butgiftgivingcanalsocreateproblems,especiallywhenitincludesanexerciseofpower,requiringreciprocationorputtingapersoninanother’sdebtorplacingobligationsuponthem.Giftgivingcanalsocomewithassumptionsaboutwhattherecipientwantsorneeds,withoutactuallyfindingoutthetruthaboutwhatthosewantsorneedsare.
![Page 42: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
42
AChristiancharitybuiltawellinanAfricanvillage.Butthewellkeptbeingvandalised.Thecharitydidn’tunderstandwhythevillagerswouldkeepbreakingit;afterall,thewellfreedthewomenofthevillagefromwalkingmanymilestogetwater.Itturnedoutthatthewomenthemselveswerebreakingthewell.Thewalktogetwaterwasimportanttothem.Itgavethemtimealonetotalkabouttheirownconcernsandabreakfromtheotherchoresofthevillage.Noonehadaskedthemtheirviews.Everyoneassumedthewellinthevillagewouldbethebestoptionforthem.
ManykindsofevangelismandsocialactionareundertakenontheassumptionthatGod’slove,freelygiventoothers,mustbethebestkindofgiftthatChristianscanoffertoothers.Butifwedon’tstoptoimaginewhatitisliketobetherecipients,anddon’tgivethemspacetoletusknowwhattheywantandneedfromus,thenwecanbeindangerofabusingthegiftinourowndesireto‘dogood’.
Somethingtodo:
Thinkabouttheworkyouandyourchurchdointheareasofmissionandevangelismandsocialaction.
• Whatstepsdoyoutaketofindoutwhatpeopleactuallywantandneed?• Whatspaceisavailableforthoseyouhelptogivesomethingback?• Whatdoyouneedtothinkaboutinreachingouttominoritygroupsofpeople,vulnerable
groupsofpeople;peopleofotherfaiths?• Supposewethoughtaboutthetimeandeffortweputintoevangelismandsocialactionas
creatingsignsofhopeforothers.Whatwouldthose‘signsofhope’be?• Howcanreallytakingtimetounderstandtheneedsandwantsofotherscreatenewnews
aboutGodforthosepeople?DFID:givingaidtopeopleneedingshelterinNepal.
Whatnext?HavealookatothersectionsinHope/CreatingNewNews.
![Page 43: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
43
Reflection: ConfidenceHonouring Memory
Confidence
GospelShip–exhibitioninAberystwythMuseum2015(1)
OneofthetraditionalspiritualdisciplinesoftheChurchhasbeentoconfessoursinsandreceiveGod’sforgiveness.HowthathappensdependsontheparticulartraditionsofourchurchesandhowfacinguptothewaywefallshortasChristiansaffectsuspersonally.
TheBookofCommonPrayersays:
ALMIGHTYandmostmercifulFather,Wehaveerred,andstrayedfromthywayslikelostsheep,Wehavefollowedtoomuchthedevicesanddesiresofourownhearts,Wehaveoffendedagainstthyholylaws,Wehaveleftundonethosethingswhichweoughttohavedone,Andwehavedonethosethingswhichweoughtnottohavedone,Andthereisnohealthinus:Butthou,OLord,havemercyuponusmiserableoffenders;Sparethouthem,OGod,whichconfesstheirfaults,Restorethouthemthatarepenitent,AccordingtothypromisesdeclareduntomankindinChristJesuourLord:Andgrant,OmostmercifulFather,forhissake,Thatwemayhereafterliveagodly,righteous,andsoberlife,TothegloryofthyholyName.Amen.
Oneofthingsthatpeopleperhapsforgetabouttheseimportanceactsofconfessionandpenitenceinworshipisthat,withabsolutionortheassurancethatoursinsareforgiven,theygiveusconfidencetogoforward.Whenwethinkbackoverthewaysinwhichwehavegotthingswrong,
![Page 44: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
44
notliveduptoouraspirations,goneourownway,andlostsightofthefutureGoddesiresforus,wedonothavetobeweigheddown,crushedbyourfailures.Prayersofconfessiongiveuswaysofmakingsenseofourmemoriesandlearningfromourpastfailuresandmistakes,andbecausewealwaysandwithoutfail,areofferedthechancetostartagain,tolive‘godly,righteousandsober’livestothegloryofGodinthefuture,wecanbeconfidentthatwhenwegooutintotheworldtotrytoshareourfaithwithothers,totryanddoGod’swillintheworldandhelpothers,thatGodgoeswithus.Itdoesnotmatterthatsometimeswefail,orgetthingswrong.Worshipconnectsuswithachancetoreflectonthethingswehavegotwrong,orfailedtodoandgivesusthepromisethatwecanalwayslearnfromourmistakesandbeginagain.
Somethingtodo:
• Maketheprayersofconfessioninchurchworkforyou.Don’tjustusethemonSundays,makethemapartofstartinganynewendeavourinmissionandevangelismorsocialaction.Usethemtobuildconfidencethatwearecalledtoshareourfaithandwitnesswithothersintheworld.
Gospelship:exhibitioninAberystwythMuseum2015(2)
WhatNext?HavealookatotherresourcesintheConfidence/HonouringMemorySections.
![Page 45: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
45
Reflection: Sharing Being the Face of Love
Faces and Meetings
PhotobyplofizonFlickr
‘Welivebeforethefacesofothers.Somearetherephysically,othersinmemoryoranticipation.Wehavebeenformedfacetofacefromourearliestdays,deeperthanconsciousmemory.’
ProfessorDavidEFord,SelfandSalvationp.17
Weareusedtoseeingourselvesinmirrorsbutwerarelystoptothinkwhatpeopleseewhentheymeetus,workwithus,sharewithus,worshipwithus.Whatsortoffacedowepresentoroffertoothers?Andwhatdoourface-to-facerelationshipshavetodowiththewayweofferthegospelandtherealityofChrist’slovetoothers?
WorkinginWestminster,Iamoftenaskedfordirections,information,orIfindmyselfbeingengagedinconversationbytourists,visitorsandallkindsofotherpeople.IhavehadquestionsabouthowtofindtheactorHughGrant,howtomeettheQueen,wheretogetadecentsandwich,wheretofindasex-worker(yes,really!),wholivesinWestminsterAbbey,andwhetherIcouldgotocourtandholdthehandofafrightenedwitness.
Thestrangethingisthatpeoplereallydoseemtosinglemeout.Butwhy?Inoticethatwhenthere’salargegroupofpeopleavailableforpeopletoask,theystillseemtohoneinonme.Ireallydon’twantpeopletoaskme,becauseI’maveryintrovertedpersonandnotverygoodatgivingdirectionsandI’malwaysworriedIwillgivethemthewrongadviceorinformationandtheywillhatemeafterwards.I’vegivenawkwardanswersinFrench,Spanish,GermanandItalianandbeenaddressedinahostofotherlanguagesIdon’tactuallyunderstand.
![Page 46: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND EVANGELISM Resources...5 Social Engagement and Evangelism Resources Introduction In September 2015, the diocesan social responsibility officers of the Church](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022050303/5f6c04f3f702b45feb019d4a/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
46
IsitbecauseIwearglasses?Doesthatmakemelookknowledgeable?DoIlookapproachable?Isawomanmoreapproachablethanaman?Isitmyage?ThefactthatI’moftenwearingmyofficebadge?ThefactthatI’mwearingacross?DoIlooktrustworthy?Streetwise?DoIlooklikethesortofpersonwhowillstopandhelp(Ialwaysdo).Orisitthatpeoplesomehowthinkthatthisface,myface,istheonetheycanaddress,ratherthanthisfaceorthatfaceinthecrowd?
It’samysterytome.Butalsoaprivilege.ChanceencountersandmeetingsarewaysofbeingChristforpeople.Ican’tknowwhatdifferencetotheirdayImightmake,butstoppingwhatI’mdoing,givingpeopleattentionandmaybewalkingintheirlivesalittlewaymightbesignificantinwaysIwillneverknow.Ihopeso.
AnneRichards
Somethingstothinkabout:
• WhatarethevisiblesignsofbeingaChristian?• Whatmakesonepersonmoreapproachablethananother?• Howcouldwebemorepreparedtohelpthepeoplewhomightstopusinthestreet?• Whatkindsofpeoplemightwebewaryofhelpingandwhy?
PhotobyMichaelSummersonFlickr
Whatnext?
HavealookatothersectionsinSharing/BeingtheFaceofLove.