Sharing our Faith
The mission of God shown in the unique life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ encompasses both dialogue and evangelism in a seamless whole and is the eternal source of hope for the world. - Staying Present and Engaging Faithfully (GS1720)
The Good News is for sharing. This is done through our witness; doing the things we do out of the depth, conviction, passion and credibility of our faith. But we are also honest and open about what we believe.
If we are to engage our neighbours in what we have to share we will be sensitive to a wide range of cultural and faith perspectives. How do we move from a comfort zone which sees the C of E as default position to a confident declaration of who we are and what it is that we believe.
Resources
Living with other faiths: A Presence and Engagement resource pack has Bible study materials and practical guidance on this area of ministry.
South Asian Concern provides a network of contacts, training events, conferences and a wealth of published material addressing the needs of South Asians and how to share the Gospel in ways that are relevant and meaningful to them. Contact info@southasianconcern.org or PO Box 43, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5WL
Stories of Local Engagement
Southall Ministry Group - These five Anglican churches work closely together as a Group Ministry. They have taken the lead in Bethlehem Comes to Southall (seen in the photo), an ecumenical initiative of Christian witness. The joyful procession of hundreds of local Christians carrying lighted candles through the main shopping streets of Southall on a Saturday afternoon just before Christmas, hands out presents of cans of soft drink to passers by. This public expression of the presence of Christians in Southall fits in with the local culture, where religious processions to mark Sikh and Hindu festivals are commonplace, and it seems to be very well received by people of all faiths.
St James Alperton (pdf) - Multi Cultural and Ethno Linguistic Congregations
St Nicholas Tooting (pdf) - Serving the community through provision of language classes sits alongside explicit sharing of the Gospel
St Paul’s Shadwell (Video) A discussion on how Christians and Muslims work together on issues of common concern whilst also being missionary religions
Willesden Area Apologetics Group - “The World Through Christian Eyes” (pdf) Where inter-faith encounters are a catalyst for a clearer statement of the Christian vision
Our blog contains news of current events and activities in this area.