Under the vibrant leadership of Elder Craig Gooden from the PEACE Centre of Evangelism, the transformative 'Ministry of Evangelism' training programme was held at the Wednesfield Seventh-day Adventist Church. This significant event concluded on a high note on Sunday 10th March, showcasing a collaborative effort with two North England Conference (NEC) departments: Personal Ministries, represented by Dr Patrick Herbert and the Ministerial Association, represented by Pastor Julian Kastrati.
Graced by the presence of Pastor John Bradshaw, President of It Is Written, the weekend delved into the core and innovative strategies of evangelism, attracting attendees from across the NEC and beyond. Pastor Bradshaw shared his extensive expertise in running effective campaigns and emphasised the crucial role of social media in reaching a wider audience. Topics covered included drafting evangelistic sermons, making appeals for Christ, and the strategic use of media in ministry for the 21st century.
Throughout the weekend, Pastor Bradshaw drew from his vast experience on how to maintain an engaging pulpit presence, emphasising the importance of avoiding distractions, making genuine eye contact, and respectfully addressing the congregation. He also covered various aspects of evangelistic preaching, stressing the importance of factual accuracy, refraining from politics and conspiracy theories, and the appropriate use of humour to ensure the integrity of sermons.
Furthermore, Pastor Bradshaw highlighted the importance of utilising Scripture effectively in evangelistic sermons, pinpointing specific Bible verses that address salvation, health, sacrifice, and overcoming substance abuse, demonstrating how the Bible can guide individuals toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.
The weekend's success was largely attributed to the collaborative spirit between PEACE and the NEC departments. Elder Gooden reflected on the event, stating, “It was great to see Directors, Pastors, and church members learning together under the tutelage of Pastor John Bradshaw. The collaboration for the Sunday ‘Ministry of Evangelism’ training provided a fantastic opportunity to emphasize how various departments can work together to support, train, and equip church members for mission.” This sentiment was echoed by Dr Herbert and Pr Kastrati.
In conclusion, the PEACE Alumni Weekend transcended the confines of a mere training event. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and equipped with an array of strategies to bolster their evangelistic efforts in local congregations. The impact of the weekend was palpable – it is the sincere hope of the organisers that this event serves as a catalyst for future evangelistic initiatives by both clergy and laity throughout the north of England.
