As defined by canons: A licensed Evangelist is a lay person who presents the good news of Jesus Christ in such a way that people are led to receive Christ as Savior and follow Christ as Lord in the fellowship of the Church. An Evangelist assists with the community’s ministry of evangelism in partnership within the Presbyter or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation, or as directed by the Bishop.
Evangelist
Knowledge Base
- Understand why evangelism matters in the Church today
- Recognize that evangelism is about lived witness in the world
- Understand the interior formation required for evangelical witness, including the development of one’s own faith narrative and contemplative practice
- Identify your particular calling as an evangelist in your own context- how you will seek, name, and celebrate the Good News where God has placed you
Competencies
- Articulate how personal faith experience and God’s redemptive story intersect, and develop skill in communicating this witness to others
- Demonstrate confidence inviting others into faith conversations
- Demonstrate the ability to talk about your own faith journey with authenticity
- Reflect on how will you become part of the Good News in your community and invite others into God’s work
- Confer with clergy and work with other parishioners to share the Good News of Christ
Formation
The Diocese of East Tennessee recognizes Bexley-Seabury’s Pathways for Baptismal Living for their online course for licensed lay Evangelist.
Duration of License & Renewal
A licensed lay Evangelist will be licensed for up to 3 years at a time. Before 3 years have passed or immediately after, the licensed lay Evangelist should have had opportunities to practice their ministry; received feedback of evangelistic programming; continued to develop their skill and spirituality; and should receive an assessment of their good standing.
At this time, a member of the clergy with oversight and responsibility for this ministry can recommend that their license be renewed or that they pursue other ministries within the church and give room for others to practice this ministry.