“Equipping the Parish for Reaching the Unchurched” topic of third Church growth and evangelization series
The third in the popular series of one-hour on-line webinars on reaching the unchurched, facilitated by Joseph Kormos, head of the Diocese of the Midwest’s Parish Development Ministry, and Archpriest Jonathan Ivanoff, will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
The webinar will serve as a continuation of earlier webinars presented in July and August, in which 70 to 80 individuals representing parishes of the Orthodox Church in America and other jurisdictions participated.
“In the earlier webinars, we focused on ‘defining the unchurched’ and practical issues involving inviting people to church,” said Mr. Kormos. “In the September 26 webinar, we will consider ways to equip active Orthodox Christians to share the Gospel in both a personal and corporate effort. An ‘evangelizing parish’ creates the motivation, atmosphere, identity and impetus to make inviting and sharing easier and more effective.”
Specific topics will include
- proper foundation — a healthy and vibrant parish.
- an overall evangelism approach — an entrance cycle for new members.
- parish evangelism awareness and education.
- connecting with the surrounding community — service and events.
- communicating he parish via internet, public relations, advertising, and word of mouth.
- improving first time experiences.
“The Evangelization Webinar series presents practical and theoretical aspects of sharing the Gospel – as lived and taught by the Orthodox Church – with America,” said Father Jonathan who, in addition to serving as rector of Saint John the Theologian Church, Shirley, NY, has been at the forefront of Orthodox evangelization and Church growth efforts for nearly two decades. “The series seeks to take initial strides to equip and encourage more Orthodox Christians to share the good news of the Gospel — using words when necessary — with those God sends and to whom God sends us.”
To register for the webinar — space is limited, so early registration is suggested — log on to www1.gotomeeting.com. Registrants will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions for joining the webinar. PC-based attendees will need Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server, while Macintosh®-based attendees will require Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer.
Slides and an archive recording of sessions 1 and 2 can be accessed on the Diocese of the Midwest web site, lower right column.