Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/92

Contributor - Norman Ratering

Title - Two Benefits

Topic - Evangelism

Evangelism within the Reformed Church in Canada? Resoundingly YES! For decades we've let others do this, because "We've never done it that way before." But no more can we use that non-Biblical excuse. A year ago Guelph church did a "Let It Begin With Me" program. There were a few nay-sayers, as expected; yet as the six weeks study concluded, it was they who openly spoke of missing some of the new-found happiness seen in others' lives.

To start with, several of the church attended an evening meeting at Camp Shalom. A representative of the National Evangelistic Association spoke motivationally about evangelism. He gave several examples of how the Lord used methods centuries old to enliven Christians to opportunities at hand. He encouraged us to see what evangelism is from a Biblical perspective, and then get involved in doing it.

He highlighted two real advantages of having a planned evangelistic outreach. One was the inner spiritual regenerating that takes place within the heart of the person doing it. The other is the outreach into the community where the church is located. He also brought to our attention six different models proven effective in hundreds of churches, from very conservative to liberal.

People from Guelph came home energized to do one of the models. Plans for "Let It Begin With Me" were laid for that fall and early winter. There were sign-up sheets at church; there was much conversation about what might be accomplished for the Lord. A general enthusiasm arose in church, an attitude of expectancy, a hope for the future. We looked for a way to do the Lord's work more effectively, to grow individually, and possibly add to the church numbers.

Plans led to establishing five groups with four to eight in each, meeting an hour per week. The group I was in began with a 15 second 'settling in' time of quiet meditation and a prayer. This was followed by comments from members of something significant taking place in their lives, perhaps privately, from family standpoint or of a general nature. Discussion then turned to one of three assigned readings: a list of daily New Testament passages, from Mark's Gospel, or the bookies Tools for Active Christians by Herb Miller. Each session concluded with prayers for the group, its members, church issues or other causes.

What are some of the end results of the project? The participants were the most blessed. They grew in their groups to be confident and appreciative of each other's gifts and stance in Christianity. They integrated into the congregation without forming the dreaded cliques. The church as a whole watched with anticipation as these brothers and sisters in Christ let their lights shine for the Lord. There has remained a concern for each other and for many more within the congregation. The number of volunteers increased. We've become very open to visitors and they are not strangers! who worship with us. There's a friendliness that's refreshing and Spirit led. This church is alive for Christ! There's quite a bit of conversation about "Let's do something like that again!" We've been blessed with several newer couples willing to serve alongside the older members - in choir, RCW, on Consistory, in Sunday School, doing 'housekeeping chores', serving as greeters and in the nursery, and in other Christian experiences. Members of the church just enjoy being part of the Guelph Reformed Church - because they are part of the Body of Christ.

God has used "Let It Begin With Me" to strengthen this congregation. For that we are most thankful. We would encourage other churches who have not participated in "Great Lakes GroW' to do it - for the joy of serving the Lord!

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