We no longer live in Christendom, the time for which most people were trained in ministry (both lay and clergy). We can no longer assume people know the biblical stories. Laity need to be trained to share their own faith and to develop the "culture" of the congregation so individuals and congregations are "evangelists."
In addition to the theology and theory for faith-sharing, Faith-Sharing Initiative training includes practical tools and exercises in personal faith-sharing. Equally important, however, is the focus on helping a congregation see its role as evangelist and enabling the congregational system to create an atmosphere of hospitality and grace.
The General Board of Discipleship's Faith-Sharing Initiative encourages the connections in the conference and district to work together to support and encourage the development of faith-sharing communities.
Teams of clergy and laity from local congregations are encouraged to attend. Sessions include the "Why, What, Who, and How" of sharing faith and time for congregational teams to begin planning for their own setting.
The Faith-Sharing Initiative is excellent preparation for participation in United Methodist Communication's "Igniting Ministry" campaign or other media campaigns. United Methodists — as individuals and as congregations — must be inviting and welcoming. They must be prepared to help people on the journey of becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. The Faith-Sharing Initiative can help prepare both individuals and congregations for that ministry.
Contact for more information:
Kwasi Kena
General Board of Discipleship
PO Box 340003
Nashville TN 37203-0003
Telephone: 615-340-7049 or toll-free 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7049
E-Mail: kkena@gbod.org
Related Resources
The Faith-Sharing Initiative Participant's Manual (in pdf format)
The Faith-Sharing Congregation by Roger K. Swanson and Shirley Clement (Discipleship Resources; see http://www.discipleshipresources.org). A resource that emphasizes that the evangelistic task is the responsibility of the entire congregation.
La Congregación que comparte su fe: Un modelo para la congregación como evangelista por José A. Malavé Garc’a, Traductor
(Discipleship Resources, 2001)
Faith-Sharing: Dynamic Christian Witnessing by Invitation (revised and expanded) by George E. Morris and H. Eddie Fox (Discipleship Resources; see http://www.discipleshipresources.org). A tried and proven strategy for outreach.
Faith-Sharing Video Kit. Contains the book Faith-Sharing, the Faith-Sharing Video (VHS, 68 min), and the Faith-Sharing Video Leader's Guide. (Discipleship Resources; see http://www.discipleshipresources.org).
Faith-Sharing New Testament. A New Testament specifically designed for the faith-sharing emphasis (available from Cokesbury, 1-800-672-1789).
Personal F.R.A.N. Plan — Set of 100. (Discipleship Resources, 1998). These wallet-size cards are excellent tools for sharing one's faith and helping others through prayer. Also available in Spanish (see below).
El Plan personal de alcance: un ministerio por Lía Icaza-Willetts. (Discipleship Resources, 2001)
Youth Reaching Youth Leader's Package, $29.95; Cokesbury YT9-122449
Turning Points Youth Journal, $2.95; Cokesbury YT9-120497
