What is a Lay Parish Evangelist (LPE)?
LPEs serve in a wide variety of ways. What unites them is a sense of calling to focus their ministry principally on those who are not yet members of a church. This can find expression through various church outreach activities but also in the workplace or ‘third spaces’ – that is: those places where Christians and non-Christians have a shared interest or social space, where informal evangelism can take place. There has been a small but growing group of Lay Parish Evangelists in Sheffield Diocese for many years. They serve parishes across all geographical areas and church traditions. We meet 2-3 times a year for fellowship, prayer, mutual support and occasional equipping. These gatherings are ‘light touch’ but there is a WhatsApp group to share prayer needs and news. All LPEs are also now part of a bigger network, the Diocesan Community of Evangelists.
How do you explore a calling to this ministry?
The normal route involves completion of the Foundations Course, during which participants explore next steps. If it becomes clear that a student wants to follow a route towards authorisation as a Lay Parish Evangelist, we can offer additional training through the Faith Empowered course. In addition, the potential LPE should have discussions with their minister and PCC to see if they will support them in developing a role within the parish upon completion of their training.
EXPLORE MORE
We exist to support evangelism and evangelists across Sheffield Diocese.
Post Feb 6 2023 – plans to bring more people to faith in the Diocese of Sheffield are being boosted through the creation of a new group.
A 9-month course by Church Army to equip people as evangelists, including Lay Parish Evangelists