Christian Education and Evangelism 2011

Christian Education and Evangelism REPORT OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND EVANGELISM COMMITTEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2011 “…let us live up to what we have already attained” The committee regards itself as a resource in evangelism and training and invites contact from congregations seeking support in those areas.

CONGREGATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE Following on from the questionnaire sent to congregations last year, members of the committee have visited or contacted several congregations who are considering new initiatives, have ongoing projects or requested assistance in developing a mission plan for their congregation. So far none of the congregations has decided to trial the “Tell it again” material. However, we believe that this material is a valuable resource and would encourage congregations to use it.

We have been able to assist the congregations of Ayr, Ardeer and Largs by providing materials for a “Christianity Explored” course and a leader’s guide and DVD for “Blowing Your Cover” has been sent to Lossiemouth. These resources will be available for other congregations to use. It is envisaged that the initial visits are the start of an ongoing dialogue with these congregations and that other congregations may be encouraged to contact the committee in future. During the visits some issues arose which were outwith the remit of the committee and those matters have been referred to the relevant Assembly committee or presbytery.

MIME AND DRAMA TEAM The committee provided financial support to the Burntisland congregation to assist them with funding a team visiting Fife from the USA. This was a joint initiative involving churches in Burntisland and Kinghorn. The committee received an encouraging report on the visit which had gone well and the team had contact with over 2,500 young people in local schools and other locations. They had also spent time training the youth fellowship in Burntisland to enable them to do some drama themselves.

LEADERS FORUM The committee have invited the Rev. David Thompson, Development Officer of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, to address the leaders’ forum at General Assembly to provide insight and overview of the “Tell it again” materials and how it has been received and acted upon by their congregations. This will take place in Perth UF Church on Wednesday 1st June at 11 a.m.

Mr Thompson will also be taking part on the Thursday evening programme of the Assembly when there will be an opportunity to consider how we can develop mission initiatives in local congregations.

COURSES IN FAITHSHARING AND DICIPLESHIP The committee commends to congregations’ resources such as “Blowing Your Cover”, “Christianity Explored” and “Discipleship Explored” Within the denomination the DVD’s and leaders guides for those programmes are available and may be borrowed by congregations wishing to consider these programmes

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Christian Education and Evangelism FOLLOW UP TO THE SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM The follow up to the School of Evangelism took place at St Ninians UF Church in November with the Rev. Dr J.O. Evans as the keynote speaker. This was an opportunity to reflect on some of the topics which had been covered in the School. Around 12 people attended and the committee is most grateful to Dr Evans for his contribution.

DENOMINATIONAL EVENT We continue to be blessed with our annual event “One World, One Vision, One Mission” at Dunblane High School. The committee commends the planning group for the organisation of the event and would urge congregations to attend this year’s event on Saturday 27th August. The event will be taking place at the end of the visit of the young people from UCCSA and we look forward to the young folk from both Africa and Scotland taking part in the programme. The keynote speaker will be John Carrick, of Middle East Christian Outreach. A variety of workshops are planned and a “non-workshop” area will also be available. This year the workshops will take place in the morning and in the afternoon there will be the main session of celebration and teaching.

TRAINING Requests for training are still very low. Wishaw have continued their on-going commitment to training. Only one trainer has been involved. New material on Pastoral Care is now available. The material will be suitable for Kirk Sessions, Pastoral groups/visitors.

LINKS WITH CONGREGATIONS 1) Drumchapel We continue to be encouraged by the work of the Living Room and of those involved there including Rev Robert Owens, Laura MacKenzie and Nathan Owens. We pray for them as they seek to make the Gospel relevant to individuals within the local community in the midst of the many challenges they face.

2) Perth The committee has taken an interest in the situation at Perth and was encouraged to hear of the part-time appointment of Rev William Buchan.

The committee continues to explore resources which may assist congregations in Mission and Outreach and in providing relevant training where appropriate across the broad spectrum of Church activities.

In the name of the Committee GORDON STEEL JAMES D. NEIL JOHN O. FULTON

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Convener Vice Convener Secretary