Young Isaac was looking at the mail his pastor father received and saw a flier for "Amazing Adventures," a kid-focused evangelistic series. "Daddy, this is really cool, can we do this at our church?" he begged.
A few conversations later, the Port Orchard Church began advertising the weeklong satellite meetings. Children and their parents came for each night of "Amazing Adventures" (plus sufficient snacks). After a few meetings, the church members wondered why they hadn't advertised the meetings for the "young at heart" as well.
With the success of "Amazing Adventures," members now have a similar question to Isaac's: "Pastor, evangelism is really cool. When can we do more?"
That same question is being asked across Western Washington as churches seek to find ways to share Jesus with their family, friends and acquaintances.
"Our churches are showing an increased interest in evangelism and outreach programs," says Bruce Koch, Washington Conference ministerial director and evangelism coordinator. "With a conference-wide focus on prayer and training, there is great momentum for evangelism in our churches and schools."
Here's a sampling of evangelistic activity:
• A growing number of individuals are receiving training as Bible instructors.
• Tacoma Central teamed an Andrews University school of evangelism, with nine participating seminary pastors, with evangelist Jac Colon for a Revelation series with 25 baptisms and professions of faith.
• Two churches—Bellevue and 24-Seven Ministry—tag-teamed for Gayle Lasher's Peace Amid the Chaos series.
• Conference officers John Freedman and David Wolkwitz teamed up with Ken Parker, pastor, to present a Revelation seminar in Bonney Lake.
• Kieth Noll, pastor, presented a Revelation seminar in Puyallup, where 18 were baptized and others are continuing Bible studies.
• Twelve Auburn Adventist Academy students are studying for baptism after a school Week of Prayer.
• Hispanic churches across the region hosted a succession of evangelistic meetings with a combined total of 101 baptisms to date.
• Young people are asking their pastors, Pathfinder leaders, teachers or deans for Bible studies.
"We're challenging our members to stop and seek Jesus, to yield and pray for the anointing power of the Holy Spirit, and to go and take Jesus to the world," says John Freedman, Washington Conference president. "In the year of evangelism in 2009, our prayer for all our members is that each day, month and year will be focused on telling their world about Jesus Christ."
John Freedman, Washington Conference president and Ken Parker, pastor, talk together. (Heidi Martella)
(Heidi Martella)
