Helping Disciples through Engage
Boyd Lien, editor of the new evangelism resource Engage: Gospel, says in his introduction to the seven-session study, “It should be easier than telling someone about your favorite television program. . . . It should be easier than sending a Facebook “like” message. . . . Telling another person about God’s love in Jesus Christ and the difference that it has made in your life should be the easiest thing of all.” The introduction goes on to state that talking to others about the Christian faith is difficult for most people.
This Eastertide, when God’s redemption story is fresh in hearts and minds, help disciples in your faith community meet the challenge to witness to family, friends, and neighbors. The Engage: Gospel resource includes a participant’s book and leader’s guide, with each session grounded in Bible study and prayer. With the foundational principle that our story is God’s story, each of the seven sessions begins with a short essay section called Encounter and moves to the Explore and Engage sections, where participants can read and discuss New Testament texts, evangelism themes, and discipleship terms. After Bible study and prayer, the session ends with a practical application in Express. This final part of the session encourages participants to reflect on their Engage experiences and take action as disciples of Christ.
How can we tell our story in nonjudgmental ways? What can we say to family or friends that will make God’s presence known to them? Where and when are opportunities to share my faith with others? Help disciples in your congregation engage their questions about evangelism. Give them tools to share their faith stories this spring.
Go to the Evangelism website for more information about Engage and other evangelism ministries. Order the Engage: Gospel Participant’s Book and Leader’s Guide through the Church Store or by calling (800) 524-2612.
Candace C. Hill is coordinator of educational ministries through Congregational Ministries Publishing, Theology, Worship, and Education, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
