* FINAL VERSION - Concurred
Resolution:A066
Title:Evangelism Toolkit for the 21st Century
Topic:Evangelism
Committee:12 - Evangelism
House of Initial Action:Deputies
Proposer:Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention direct the Center for Evangelism and Congregational Life to create a comprehensive toolkit to equip congregations and dioceses to engage in culturally-appropriate evangelism and mission; And be it further

Resolved, that the toolkit support congregations and dioceses in their work to fulfill Christ's Great Commission with special attention to provide resources to evangelize people historically underserved by the church, for example, people of color, immigrants and refugees, youth, young adults, people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, people living in poverty, people with disabilities and/or all others who are alienated from the church; and be it further

Resolved, that the toolkit be presented to the House of Bishops and the Executive Council in their first meetings in 2011 for their comment and review; and then be distributed throughout the church.


EXPLANATION

As The Episcopal Church seeks to engage God's mission in our communities today, congregations and dioceses must pursue evangelism and mission that honors their unique communities, particularly considering diversities of race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, generation, education, physical ability, citizenship and church membership, or lack thereof.

Some evangelism and mission resources have been developed for some under-represented groups, and it is time to draw them together. This toolkit would gather and present a comprehensive set of resources to support congregations and dioceses as they identify and engage under-represented/under-served groups in their community.

It is expected that the Center for Evangelism and Congregation Life will spearhead this effort in cooperation with other offices, including but not limited to Ministries with Young Adults, Campus Ministries, Social and Economic Justice.


* Note: The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 76th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.