THE DIOCESAN LAY EVANGELIST COURSE
This was an option following from the
diocesan Christian Studies Course
Whilst it authorised my ministry, it provided little support for it,
nor did it provide much practical direction for evangelism.
It did lead to engagement with the Diocesan Evangelist
and then a range of mini-missions under her wing,
but it was puerile after my TFM experiences.
It was also a role the priest was free to ignore
for it carried no preaching or teaching licence.
CLACTON AND ST OSTHYS : EVANGELISM IN THE CARAVAN PARKS
This was to become an annual week taking Godly play to caravan parks,
under the competent wing of the Diocesan Evangelist from the Church Army.
We engaged with one park in the morning and another in the afternoon.
These were rough areas, the holiday places for the poor of London.
My role was to go round the park in a clown's outfit
and bring the children to a central area
where they were entertained and told a Christian story.
I got flack and ambushed with water bombs. I got followed and shouted at.
I made friends and followers. Maybe I led a few towards a better life - maybe.
EVANGELISM IN OUR HOME CHURCH
Barely supported by the members of our church,
we took leaflets to a new housing estate, but, really,
the principle of evangelism is preached, misunderstood and forgotten.
How can we expect them to bring others to share our Sunday services
when church behaviour is an embarassment to those who attend?
Until the church manages to understand its mission,
we can not expect its members to invite others to join it.
