About the Bureau of Evangelism

Quadrennial Theme 2009-2012:
"Maximizing the Mission by Managing the Ministry"

Maximizing Evangelistic Efforts Using the Master's Model: The Right Moment, The Right Message and The Right Motives.

During the next four years, the Bureau of Evangelism of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church will endeavor to embrace the theme and the mandate given by the Board of Bishops to the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Our desire is to maximize our evangelistic efforts using the example set forth in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Director of the Bureau of Evangelism, it is my desire that we as New Testament Evangelist in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church will become "Better Waterers, and Better Planters." Apostle Paul writing to the church of Corinth gives us a valuable clue on increase and growth: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

I believe church growth strategies and evangelistic campaigns succeed:

1) As the result of prayer

2) As the result of God's grace and favor.

3) Depend on the choice of the right moment, the right message and the right method.

4) If we do not become discouraged by the rejection of the message.

5) If we as evangelist understand who we are and what we are to do.

6) When we have a proper attitude towards humanity.

Wanting our churches to grow is not enough we have to take intentional action to make it happen. Through training workshops we must develop healthy faith sharing congregations that will practice genuine hospitality thereby creating an atmosphere in which people feel welcome, feel that they belong and are good candidate to become Disciples.

Finally, I believe that any successful evangelism in the twenty-first century must include media ministry. Our denomination has responded to media ministry in a very limited way, while many evangelicals have fully embraced media ministry with great success. We have a message that must be heard. We must embrace the printed media, radio media, television media, internet media and use every available means to spread the gospel.

It was stated in the Bishop's Quadrennial Address that Jesus initiated, invested, inspired, invited, instructed, and entrusted. Jesus personally encountered the presence and power of God before he launched his evangelistic ministry. Our personal experience will validate our witness. Jesus invested his time, resources and knowledge of God with those who chose to follow him and with those he sought to reach. He completely identified with them. Jesus moved with such enthusiasm that his followers wanted to do what he was doing, pray like he was praying and act like he acted. He inspired them to act. Jesus invited them to take part by giving them assignments. He set the parameters for their message and ministry. He continually instructed them and entrusted them with more and more responsibilities.

It is my desire that the Bureau of Evangelism will initiate, invest, inspire, invite, instruct, and entrust the members of Zion with the tools and methodologies that will aid in the ministry of Evangelism that the world may know Jesus Christ.