|
Definitions Simple explanations to the language and phrases used |
 |
|
Definitions
'It depends what you mean by evangelism and evangelisation'! When organising local mission activities it is surprising how often this comment comes up. Usually it is at the end of a long and fruitful working relationship of churches and Chritians working together, but finding for some reason or other they mean different things by the same words. We therefore plan to place on this page a varierty of definitions about evangelisation as understood by different churches and agencies. All of these will be based on the biblical understanding of the trinitarian church as understood by the major denominations. Here are two for the moment, from the Roman Catholic Church and Church of England. Roman Catholic 'evangelisation' 'Evangelisation is the proclamation and enactment of the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is an essential aspect of the mission of the church. We are privilaged to participate in God's purposes of love for his people and his world. The church is obliged to share the Good news with all people. This sharing involves the penetration and integration of the Good news of jesus into all dimensions of humanity. It thus encompasses: Christian witness; presentation of the Good news to those who have not heard it; initiation in to the church through catechesis, the ongoing formation of Christian believers and communities; the renewel of the Church; and all actions which further the building of God's Kingdom of love, justice and peace' (Evangelisation in England and Wales. Knights and Murray. Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales 2002 p14) The Church of England '5 Marks of Mission' This Catholic working definition above fits well with the Five Marks of Mission adopted by the Anglican Communion of which the Church of England is part. The Five Marks of Mission are often used as a framework of understanding the various aspects of the Good News of Jesus which we are called to share. The are: 1) To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom 2) To teach, baptise and nurture new believers 3) To respond to human need by loving service 4) To seek to transform unjust structures of society 5) To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth An exploration of these key themes can be found on the website of the Anglican Communion: (Bonds of Affection-1984 ACC-6 p49, Mission in a Broken World-1990 ACC-8 p101) http://www.anglicancommunion.org/ministry/mission/fivemarks.cfm |
|
